US presses Israel to avoid Beirut strikes amid Lebanon talks

The United States is intensifying pressure on Hezbollah and urging Israel to refrain from striking Beirut as Washington hosts critical talks with Lebanon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Hezbollah is detrimental not only to Israel and America but also to Lebanon and its people.

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Hezbollah is not just an enemy of Israel and an enemy of America, Hezbollah is an enemy of Lebanon and of the Lebanese people.

Rubio stated that peace between Israel and Lebanon could have been achieved earlier if not for Hezbollah's actions. He revealed that communications were received via the Lebanese government indicating Hezbollah's willingness to restrain attacks on Israeli territory if Israel ceased strikes in Beirut. This proposal, originating from Hezbollah, was conveyed through Lebanese authorities.

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we received communications via the Lebanese government and the Speaker over there on behalf of Hezbollah as early as Sunday that they would restrain from attacking Israeli territory if Israel did not take new strikes in Beirut. It came from Hezbollah, but through Lebanese authorities.

Amid these diplomatic efforts, the US is exploring a plan to support the Lebanese army by training vetted units. This initiative aims to equip and enable the Lebanese Armed Forces to dismantle Hezbollah elements, thereby reducing the need for Israeli military intervention. The US views Hezbollah's actions since March as a destabilizing force dragging Lebanon back into conflict.

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What we’re working towards establishing is a system that actually works where vetted units within the Lebanese Armed Forces have the training, the equipment, and the capability to go after elements of Hizballah and dismantle them so Israel doesn’t have to do it.

Recent reports indicate the Lebanese army has deployed in the southern city of Tyre, an area Israel has warned Hezbollah is using as a cover. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz reiterated President Trump's proposal for ending the conflict: Hezbollah must cease its attacks on Israel, creating space for de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities. Waltz stressed that Iran must also stop using Lebanon as a base for operations.

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President Trump, who cares deeply about Lebanon personally, has proposed a clear sequence to end the conflict: Hezbollah, which started the fighting, must stop its attacks in Israel. This will create space for gradual de-escalation and, ultimately, a cessation of hostilities. Hizballah has repeatedly rejected this offer…The path is clear: Hezbollah stops attacking Israel. The Lebanese Armed Forces and the legitimate Government of Lebanon assert control over Lebanese territory. And Iran stops using Lebanon as a forward operating base.