Amos Hochstein, a senior White House official, is set to meet with French officials in Paris to discuss the escalating border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. This conflict has caused Israel to lose sovereignty in its north, according to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.
Hochstein will meet with French officials to discuss proposals to halt the fighting, as France still holds some influence in Lebanon. U.S. officials have been working to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, which has intensified in recent weeks.
Blinken stated that Israel has effectively lost sovereignty near the border with Lebanon due to Hezbollah attacks, driving thousands of Israelis and Lebanese from their homes. He emphasized the importance of finding a diplomatic solution to avoid further escalation.
Efforts are being made to negotiate a Hezbollah pullback from the border, potentially leading to Israeli withdrawal from disputed areas and economic assistance for southern Lebanon. Hochstein has been engaged in discussions with Israeli and Lebanese officials to facilitate these negotiations.
Fears of a direct conflict between Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel persist, with U.S. officials expressing concern about the potential need to come to Israel’s defense. Blinken emphasized the need for a cease-fire in Gaza to de-escalate the situation. The window for diplomacy remains open, but the situation is becoming increasingly volatile.
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