U.S. Envoy Seeks Diplomatic Resolution to Prevent Israel-Hezbollah War

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein expressed optimism that full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah could be averted. He emphasized the need for an immediate peace agreement between Israel and Hamas for Gaza. Hochstein engaged in talks with Lebanese officials to promote diplomatic resolutions and prevent wider conflict.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein expressed optimism on Wednesday that a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah could still be avoided. He emphasized the urgency of establishing a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas for Gaza without further delay.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran, initiated cross-border attacks on Israel shortly after an Israeli military response to a deadly Hamas attack on October 7. Israel's military actions initially targeted Lebanon's border area but have now extended to high-ranking Hezbollah, Hamas, and other figures further north. Hochstein landed in Beirut to deter an escalation following Israel's killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut's southern suburbs last month.

Hochstein, speaking after talks with Nabih Berri, a strong Hezbollah ally, reiterated the potential for a diplomatic solution. He noted that a Gaza ceasefire would be pivotal in achieving diplomatic resolutions that would prevent a broader conflict. Hochstein also met with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib for further discussions.

Earlier, Mikati highlighted intensified talks with Arab and Western leaders due to the gravity of the regional situation, stressing the need for diplomacy to avert war and halt Israeli aggression. Hochstein remains hopeful that war between Israel and Hezbollah can be avoided.

(With inputs from agencies.)