US envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in Beirut for a brief visit, starting with a meeting with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Following his meeting with Berri, Hochstein stated: "I came to Lebanon today because the United States cares greatly about Lebanon and its people, especially in these difficult times." He added, "We express our condolences to the civilian victims, and I had a good dialogue with the Speaker of the Parliament, where I listened to his perspective on what is happening, and I informed him of what the United States is doing, which does not want the situation in Gaza to escalate nor to extend to Lebanon." Hochstein concluded: "Maintaining calm on the southern Lebanese border is of high importance to us, and it should also be important for Lebanon and Israel; this is what UN Resolution 1701 stipulates, and it stands firm."
Hochstein then met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, informing him that he was visiting Lebanon as a representative of President Joe Biden to discuss the situation in southern Lebanon, and he sensed through his discussions that both Lebanon and Israel do not wish to escalate the situation. During his meeting with Mikati at the governmental palace, Hochstein called on all parties to "respect and fully implement UN Resolution 1701," reiterating "support for the army to assert the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all its territories." He mentioned that "discussions are currently underway to reach a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza before moving on to other phases of resolution."
Hochstein also met with Army Commander General Joseph Aoun at his office in Yarze, in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea, where they discussed the general situation in the country and developments along the southern border. He was also received by Major General Abbas Ibrahim in his office in Beirut, along with Ambassador Shea. During the meeting, they reviewed recent developments in the regional and international arena and ways to keep Lebanon uninvolved in the conflict in Gaza.
In this context, Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab discussed with Hochstein the recent developments due to the war in Gaza and the recent aggressions in southern Lebanon and their implications for the region. During their meeting in his office at the parliamentary building, Bou Saab emphasized that "the solution must start with a swift ceasefire and respect for international laws, stopping the killing of civilians and children." For his part, Hochstein stressed the "necessity of keeping the war away from Lebanon and preserving stability and security." Hochstein's visit comes at a time of explosive security on the southern border and the accompanying ramifications of the Gaza war. It was learned that Major General Abbas Ibrahim is coordinating with Hochstein on the mediation file concerning preventing escalation between Hezbollah and Israel.
