Amos Hochstein, the U.S. Special Envoy to Beirut, has issued a stark warning that the situation in Lebanon has spiraled out of control. During a statement released by Lebanon’s National News Agency after a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Hochstein emphasized that tying the country’s future to ongoing conflicts does not serve the interests of the Lebanese people.
Hochstein pointed to the non-implementation of UN Resolution 1701 as the root cause of the continued conflict, adding that the international community remains committed to Lebanon’s reconstruction and support for its army. He clarified that his discussions would not seek to amend Resolution 1701 but rather focus on its potential implementation.
On the other side, Berri, tasked by Hezbollah to negotiate ceasefire efforts with Israel, commented on the meeting by noting, “The proof will be in the outcomes.”
According to Reuters, Israel submitted a document to the United States last week outlining its conditions for a diplomatic resolution to end the war in Lebanon.
Al Arabiya reported that Berri views Hochstein’s visit as the last chance for the U.S. before the upcoming presidential elections, emphasizing adherence to Resolution 1701 and rejecting any amendments to it.
