US special envoy Amos Hochstein on Tuesday called for an “urgent” de-escalation in cross-border exchanges of fire between Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israeli forces, raging since the start of the Gaza war.
After meeting with Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh, the presidential envoy said “The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has gone on for long enough,” adding: “It’s in everyone’s interest to resolve it quickly and diplomatically — that is both achievable and it is urgent.”
He stated that “the (Eid al Adha) holiday comes at a difficult and sensitive time”, noting that the “positive” discussion with Berri tackled “the proposed agreement.”
Speaking after a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the US official reiterated how grave the situation is on the Lebanese-Israeli border, stressing, “it is a critical moment.”
“We are working together as to try to identify ways to get to a place where we prevent further escalation,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, Hochstein kicked off his visit to Lebanon by meeting Army Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun in his office at the defense ministry in Yarzeh.
Hochstein, who arrived in Beirut Tuesday morning coming from Israel, was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson.
The discussions with Gen. J. Aoun covered the general situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as the latest developments on the southern borders.
Hochstein’s visit to the region comes amid heightened tensions along the Blue Line. He will reportedly underline Washington’s growing concerns about an irreversible escalation that would put at risk the whole region.
As a reminder, Israeli media reported on Monday evening that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had asked US envoy Amos Hochstein to “deliver a message to the Lebanese Prime Minister demanding that Hezbollah withdraw beyond the Litani River, or face war.”
A war that would be “inevitable”, according to military sources quoted by the Israeli media. They add that if the US administration does not succeed in keeping Hezbollah away from the border, the prevailing mood at the end of the American envoy’s tour will be one of pessimism.
