U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein Strives for Peace Amid Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein asserted that war between Israel and Hezbollah could be avoided, provided Israel and Hamas work towards a Gaza peace agreement. Hochstein met with Lebanese officials to deter escalation and promote a diplomatic resolution, amid intensifying conflict near Lebanon's border and beyond.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein expressed his belief on Wednesday that a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah could be averted. He emphasized that Israel and Hamas need to progress towards a Gaza peace agreement immediately.

Following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, Iran-backed Hezbollah initiated cross-border assaults. Israel's retaliatory strikes have extended northward, targeting high-ranking Hezbollah and Hamas members. Hochstein, an advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, arrived in Beirut to prevent escalation after Israel assassinated a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut last month.

Hochstein remains optimistic about a diplomatic solution, stating no one desires a full-scale war, as discussed in his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. His visit coincided with an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon's Tyre district, resulting in injuries. Hochstein stressed the urgency of the Gaza ceasefire framework to avoid broader conflict. Further meetings with Lebanese officials are planned to reinforce diplomatic efforts amid the heightened regional tension.

(With inputs from agencies.)