US Special Envoy Sees “Real Opportunity” to End Israel-Hezbollah War
Beirut Talks Underway
US special envoy Amos Hochstein has arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, to facilitate a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war. Hochstein met with Hezbollah-allied parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts on behalf of the group.
“I came back because we have a real opportunity to bring this conflict to an end,” Hochstein told reporters. “This is a moment of decision making. I’m here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it’s ultimately the decision of the parties to reach a conclusion to this conflict.”
History of the Conflict
The Israel-Hezbollah war began on September 23, when Israel launched an intensified air campaign in Lebanon, followed by the deployment of ground troops. The conflict is nearly a year old, with exchanges of fire initiated by Hezbollah in support of Palestinian ally Hamas after its October 7, 2023, attack sparked the war in Gaza.
US-France Led Efforts for Ceasefire
The US and France have spearheaded efforts for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Hochstein met with Berri to discuss a US truce proposal, which has been shared with both Lebanon and Israel. The proposal aims to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war and requires all armed forces except the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to withdraw from the Lebanese side of the border with Israel.
Lebanon’s Response
A Lebanese official told AFP on Monday that the government had a positive view of the US truce proposal, while a second official said Lebanon was waiting for Hochstein’s arrival to review certain outstanding points. US state department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington had been sharing proposals with Lebanon and Israel, which had both reacted to the plan.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701
Resolution 1701 requires the withdrawal of all armed forces except the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers from the Lebanese side of the border with Israel. It also requires Israeli troops to withdraw from Lebanon. The US is pushing for “full implementation” of the resolution, which aims to bring a lasting end to the conflict.
Conclusion
Hochstein’s visit to Beirut marks a critical moment in the Israel-Hezbollah war. The US special envoy believes that a ceasefire is within reach, and it is now up to the parties involved to make a decision. The US and France have led efforts for a ceasefire, and Lebanon has expressed a positive view of the US truce proposal.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation in the Israel-Hezbollah war?
A: The war has been ongoing for nearly a year, with exchanges of fire initiated by Hezbollah in support of Palestinian ally Hamas.
Q: What is the US truce proposal?
A: The proposal aims to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war and requires all armed forces except the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to withdraw from the Lebanese side of the border with Israel.
Q: What is Lebanon’s response to the US truce proposal?
A: A Lebanese official told AFP that the government had a positive view of the proposal, while a second official said Lebanon was waiting for Hochstein’s arrival to review certain outstanding points.
Q: What is the goal of the US and France in leading efforts for a ceasefire?
A: The goal is to bring a lasting end to the conflict and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.