Israel Lebanese government circles: US envoy expected in Beirut
The US envoy Amos Hochstein is continuing his efforts to ease tensions in the military conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah. Hochstein is expected back in Beirut this morning, according to Lebanese government sources.
14.08.2024, 10:27
SDA
As with previous visits, a meeting is planned with parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The Shiite politician Berri is an important ally of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Hochstein's efforts are considered crucial in the attempt to prevent an even greater escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. The militia has announced retaliation for the killing of its military commander Fuad Shukr by Israel two weeks ago. A simultaneous attack with Iran, which has vowed revenge for the killing of the Hamas foreign chief in Tehran, is also possible. Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in almost daily shelling since the start of the Gaza war last October, in which dozens of civilians on both sides of the border have been killed.
Hochstein brokered an important agreement between Israel and Lebanon on their shared maritime borders in 2022. The two countries have no diplomatic relations and are officially at war. In May, Hochstein said in an interview that Israel's conflict with Hezbollah must be deprived of its "impetus". Among other things, he suggested foreign economic aid for Lebanon, particularly in the electricity sector, and strengthening the Lebanese military.
