Hochstein arrives in Beirut, 'Washington is trying to avoid a greater war between Israel and Hezbollah.'

American special envoy Amos Hochstein arrived Tuesday morning in Beirut as part of a trip aimed at defusing the situation in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily fire since the start of the war in Gaza. On his arrival, he stressed that it was "urgent" to resolve the conflict diplomatically, AFP reported.

"The United States is trying to avert a greater war between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah movement," Hochtein told Reuters.

According to an official press release, he met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at his residence in Beirut at noon.

Mikati stressed that "Lebanon does not seek escalation" and desires "the restoration of security, stability and an end to the ongoing violations of Lebanese sovereignty, as well as the systematic massacres and destruction perpetrated by Israel."

"Israel's persistent threats against Lebanon will not dissuade us from continuing to seek a truce, which is a priority for us and all friends of Lebanon," Mikati added. 

Earlier in the day, Hochstein met with Lebanese Army head Joseph Aoun to discuss the "general situation in Lebanon and developments along the [southern] border" with Israel, as outlined in a subsequent press release.

The state-run National Information Agency (NNA) reported that Hochstein arrived at Ain al-Tineh around 11 a.m. to meet Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri. Hochstein described the talks as positive and stated that it is "in everyone's interest to resolve the conflict quickly and politically."  

"It's possible, necessary and within reach," he remarked.

Expansion of the war in Lebanon is 'a mistake,' according to Israeli experts

Expansion of the war in Lebanon is 'a mistake,' according to Israeli experts

Speaking on the Gaza war, Hochstein assured that "the agreement established by President Biden on May 31, 2024, which includes the release of hostages and a permanent cease-fire to end the Gaza war, has been accepted by the Israeli side and received approval from Qatar, Egypt, the G7, and the UN Security Council." He added that this agreement "puts an end to the Gaza war and establishes a withdrawal program for Israeli forces," concluding, "if that's what Hamas wants, they should accept it."

Hochstein was in Israel on Monday where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a tour of the Middle East that a cease-fire in Gaza was the best way to end the violence between Hezbollah and Israel.

Hochstein said he had been "dispatched to Lebanon immediately" following his trip to Israel because the situation was "serious."

He explained that "a ceasefire in Gaza and, or, an alternative diplomatic solution could also bring the conflict across the Blue Line to an end" and allow the return of displaced civilians to southern Lebanon and northern Israel. 

"The conflict has gone on for long enough, with innocent lives lost, property destroyed, families separated, the Lebanese economy continuing to decline and the country suffering unnecessarily. It is in everyone's interest to resolve the conflict quickly and politically, and it is possible, necessary, and achievable," Hochstein further elaborated.

Hochstein was also received in the afternoon by caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, according to the National News Agency (NNA).

The two discussed the latest developments in southern Lebanon, the war in Gaza and Lebanon's presidential elections. This comes after the country has had a presidential vacuum since the end of Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022, with no near end in sight.

This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.