The United States has introduced a new diplomatic initiative designed to reduce escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, according to a government official who spoke on Sunday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding ongoing diplomatic talks between the two nations, presenting a framework for “gradual de-escalation,” the official revealed.
Under the American proposal, the initial phase would require the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant organization to cease all attacks against Israel, while Israel would commit to avoiding escalatory actions in Beirut, the official explained.
“This would create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities,” the official stated.
The official noted that Aoun worked to promote the proposal and achieve an agreement. Nevertheless, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who asserted he could “guarantee” Hezbollah’s adherence to a ceasefire, insisted that Israel must stop “shooting first.”
On Sunday, Netanyahu announced he had directed military forces to advance deeper into Lebanon in operations against Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire that was declared more than six weeks earlier.
In their most recent military action, Israeli forces captured the historic 900-year-old Beaufort Castle along with a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, military officials reported Sunday. This came after one of the most intense periods of Hezbollah attacks targeting northern Israel since the April ceasefire, leading to school shutdowns and movement restrictions.
The American official emphasized that the United States does not anticipate Israel will continue tolerating persistent attacks against its citizens from Hezbollah.
