American envoy Amos Hochstein held a short press conference in Ain al-Tineh on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024.(Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient Today)
American envoy Amos Hochstein met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday at Ain al-Tineh. He then held a brief press conference, emphasizing that resolving tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border is closely linked to the success of the Gaza cease-fire talks.
He addressed the Lebanese, claiming the United States stands with those who want to live in peace and security and do not want to be in constant fear of threats and war. He added, "This region has suffered enough, and with ongoing daily conflicts, the risk of an uncontrollable escalation grows. Urgent discussions must resume. We believe we can get to [the] end of the conflict now, today, but we also recognize the need to address the conflict in Gaza," Hochstein said in response to a question.
'I hope so. I believe so,' said Hochstein from Beirut
When asked about the chances of Israel and Hezbollah avoiding a new war, he replied, "I hope so, I believe so."
Hochstein noted that "hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have continued to escalate since my last visit" in June.
"The Speaker and I had a productive discussion about the situation in Lebanon and the need to calm tensions along the Blue Line and in the region. President Joe Biden is working on this issue and asked me to come to Lebanon ahead of the discussions set to resume this Thursday between Hamas and Israel." He added that they are both in agreement, "there is no more time to waste and there are no more valid excuses from any party for any further delay."
"A resolution in Gaza will help find a diplomatic solution for Lebanon, prevent a larger war, and create the conditions needed for the return of displaced Lebanese to the south and residents of northern Israel to their homes," Hochstein added before concluding: "We must seize this moment to find a diplomatic solution. The time is now."
Berri, for his part, reiterated the need to end the war, expressing his "deep concern" over Israel's escalating actions, both politically and militarily. He stated, "Israel's policy of cross-border assassinations and the daily massacres in Gaza and Lebanon demonstrate its determination to continue military escalation and undermine all efforts to stop the war," while emphasizing "Lebanon's commitment to the renewal of UNIFIL's mandate and Resolution 1701."
The American envoy then met caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail with the presence of U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson.
On the Lebanese side, the meeting was attended by caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Director General of the Presidency Antoine Choucair, and advisors Boutros Assaker and Ziad Mikati.
Mikati emphasized "the need to pressure Israel to stop its aggression and threats." He stated that "the solution lies in a cease-fire in Gaza" and "the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which ensures stability in the region."
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been exchanging near-daily fire with the Israeli army since Oct. 8, 2023, following the start of the war in Gaza.
The situation has worsened since late July, beginning with a deadly strike in Majdal Shams, a Druze town on the Syrian Golan Heights annexed by Israel. Israel attributed this strike to Hezbollah, which vehemently denied involvement.
In response, Israel bombarded the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur on July 30. Hours later, Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an explosion in Tehran, which Iran attributed to Israel. The latter has not commented on the assassination.
Iran has threatened retaliation, but intense diplomatic efforts have been underway to de-escalate the situation. Hamas and Israel have been urged by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to resume cease-fire talks.
As part of his visit, Hochstein also met with opposition MPs Georges Adwan, Elias Hankache, Michel Doueihy and Fouad Makhzoumi at the Parliament.
