US Ambassador to Beirut, Michel Issa, predicted on Monday a “comprehensive” ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which is under attack, without specifying a date.
This came in statements made by Issa on Monday, following his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in the capital, Beirut.
During the meeting, developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as the latest political and security developments, were discussed, according to a statement by Berri.
Issa claimed that “everything that is happening in Washington is in Lebanon’s favor,” referring to the direct negotiations between the governments of Tel Aviv and Beirut, expressing his belief that Israel will withdraw from Lebanese territory and return the land and prisoners.
Washington has hosted several rounds of negotiations between the two sides, but has not yet achieved a tangible breakthrough or succeeded in establishing a ceasefire.
At the conclusion of the fourth round, the United States, Lebanon and Israel announced on Thursday a declaration of intent that includes a complete cessation of Hezbollah fire and the removal of its members from the area south of the Litani River.
In response to a question about whether the ceasefire agreement was still in place and whether Berri supported it, Issa said, “There was something that needed clarification, and we clarified it today.”
He added: “There will be a ceasefire, and our decision was for it to be comprehensive, but there was a point that needed clarification and it was clarified today,” without revealing what it was.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri described on Friday the declaration of intent paving the way for a ceasefire agreement with Israel as a “hybrid that has been booby-trapped.”
Bombing of the suburb
Regarding the Israeli raid on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday evening, the US ambassador claimed that “the targeting of the suburbs was in response to the targeting of the party,” referring to attacks launched by Hezbollah in response to Israel’s continued violations and attacks on Lebanon.
Regarding US efforts to halt the escalation between Iran and Israel, Issa explained that US President Donald Trump “tried yesterday and is still trying” to contain the tension.
Despite Iran’s warnings about the repercussions of any targeting of Beirut’s southern suburbs, Israel reignited tensions in the region by launching an attack on the suburbs on Sunday evening, which left two dead and 11 wounded, claiming that it targeted a command and planning center belonging to Hezbollah.
Indeed, Tehran began launching missile strikes on Israel on Sunday evening, after which Israel announced that its fighter jets had bombed military targets in western and central Iran.
On Monday, the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters of the Iranian armed forces announced a halt to military operations against Israel, “after a painful response was delivered to the enemy.”
An Israeli official spoke of Tel Aviv's agreement to US President Donald Trump's request to halt its attacks on Iran, while vowing to continue them in southern Lebanon.
Contact with Hezbollah
Despite US President Donald Trump himself confirming that Washington is in contact with Hezbollah, the ambassador denied any contact between his country and the party, claiming: “This is a mistake and I don’t know where this talk came from.”
Trump told reporters on Wednesday that his country had made “first contact” with officials from the Lebanese Hezbollah party, and that an understanding had been reached to stop the exchange of fire between the party and Israel.
Regarding the bulldozing and demolition of villages by Israel in southern Lebanon, Issa said the US administration is closely monitoring developments.
Establishing the truce
He added: “You know what we do in Washington and why we meet every week or two, and we know what is happening in the south, and all we want is for what is happening to stop.”
He added that the American efforts succeeded in reaching a ceasefire, noting that what is required is for each party to adhere to what is required of it in order for the strikes to stop.
According to the tripartite statement, Lebanon and Israel agreed to resume negotiations on the political and security tracks during the week beginning June 22, with the aim of reaching a “comprehensive agreement for peace and security.”
Regarding his meeting with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and whether he had received a pledge regarding Hezbollah's commitment to the ceasefire, Issa said: "Ask the Speaker of Parliament. Speaker Berri gave me a response and we will see later," stressing that the United States is making every effort to establish a ceasefire.
He added that President Trump “talks aboutLebanon every day,” considering that this reflects Washington’s interest in Lebanon and its keenness for it to return to being “an independent country,” as he put it.
He claimed, “You know who gives Hezbollah orders.”
pilot areas
Regarding what is known as the “experimental zone,” Issa said it would be open for its residents to return to, and would be under the protection of the Lebanese army and would not be subject to Israeli bombing.
He explained that this point “was not clear,” adding: “It makes no sense for the army to go there if there are no people there.”
He stressed that the United States wants the residents to return to the area and begin reconstruction work, rehabilitate roads and electricity networks, and set a model.”
According to the tripartite statement, Beirut and Tel Aviv agreed to “accelerate the establishment of pilot zones in which Lebanese forces will take control of the territory, excluding all non-state armed groups.”
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