US Envoy Hochstein in Beirut to Address Post-Gaza War Issues

Lebanese Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab briefed Speaker Nabih Berri on his meeting with US envoy Amos Hochstein in Rome (Parliament)
Lebanese Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab briefed Speaker Nabih Berri on his meeting with US envoy Amos Hochstein in Rome (Parliament)
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US Envoy Hochstein in Beirut to Address Post-Gaza War Issues

Lebanese Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab briefed Speaker Nabih Berri on his meeting with US envoy Amos Hochstein in Rome (Parliament)
Lebanese Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab briefed Speaker Nabih Berri on his meeting with US envoy Amos Hochstein in Rome (Parliament)

The global community closely watched the recent statement from Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, seen by many as a potential signal for diplomatic solutions to the conflict with Israel.

This has sparked attention across the region.

The arrival of US envoy Amos Hochstein in Lebanon, while lacking a detailed plan, is expected to at least initiate discussions on a post-Gaza war action plan.

Hezbollah still holds onto its initial stance, considering southern Lebanon as a supportive front for Gaza.

However, Nasrallah’s recent comments suggest a possibility for diplomatic options, leading observers to believe the party may be seeking a way to step back from its involvement in the war.

A former mediator revealed that Hezbollah remains firm in blocking any potential resolution.

The US sent questions to Hezbollah, but the party provided no answers, stating to come back after the end of the Gaza war.

This silence is seen by the Americans as a response in itself.

Ahead of Hochstein’s visit to Lebanon, a meeting in Rome between Lebanese Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elias Bou Saab and Hochstein aimed to clarify issues.

Lebanese leaders are awaiting potential commitments from Hochstein, possibly secured from Israel.

Meetings are being held to keep all sides informed, and there is hope that Hochstein’s visit will pave the way for stability in Lebanon.

Bou Saab emphasized that it’s clear the US and Israeli demands focus on stabilizing the southern region and northern occupied Palestinian territories.

The Lebanese official rejected the idea that war, as suggested by Israel, will bring back settlers, stating that war is not the solution.

He emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts and dismissed the belief that war can resolve the situation, calling it a misguided notion.



US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
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US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed that the United States was dedicated to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and urged Israel to improve "dire" conditions in Gaza, in a call Saturday with his Israeli counterpart.

Austin "reiterated US commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border" in his call with Israel Katz, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Austin also "urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including US citizens."

Lebanon said Saturday that an Israeli air strike in the heart of Beirut that brought down a residential building and jolted residents across the city killed at least 11 people.

Israel stepped up its campaign against the Hezbollah militant group in late September, targeting its strongholds in Lebanon.

Lebanon's health ministry says at least 3,645 people have been killed since October 2023, when Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas.

The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, where Israel said Friday it had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

In the call with Katz, Austin also discussed ongoing Israeli operations and reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment to Israel's security," the Pentagon said.