US says Hezbollah blocking Israel-Lebanon truce
Washington, June 1
The United States has accused Hezbollah of undermining efforts to secure a ceasefire with Israel, saying the Iran-backed group is prolonging the conflict and refusing to halt attacks despite a US-backed proposal aimed at preventing further escalation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon, according to a US official familiar with the talks.
The United States proposed what the official described as a straightforward path to de-escalation.
"To advance those talks, the United States proposed a clear sequence: Hizbollah must stop all attacks on Israel. In return, Israel would refrain from escalation in Beirut. This would create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities," the official said.
According to the official, Aoun sought to move the proposal forward and obtain agreement from the parties involved.
"President Aoun tried to advance this proposal and secure an agreement," the official said.
The effort stalled, however, after a response from Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a close political ally of Hezbollah.
"Speaker Berri's response was evasive and disappointing," the official said.
The official said Berri offered to "guarantee" Hezbollah's adherence to a ceasefire but insisted Israel stop military operations first.
"Berri claimed to 'guarantee' Hizbollah's commitment to a ceasefire, but placed the burden on Israel to stop shooting first even though Hizbollah started this round of fighting on March 2, just as it started the previous war in 2023," the official said.
The United States also blamed Iran for encouraging the continued fighting.
"Hizbollah is following Tehran's lead. It clearly has no interest in the welfare of the Lebanese people. Iran wants to prolong the conflict in Lebanon so it can claim credit for 'saving the day,'" the official said.
Washington made clear that it does not believe Israel should be expected to tolerate continued attacks while negotiations continue.
"The United States does not expect Israel to absorb ongoing attacks on its civilians by a terrorist organization," the official said.
"The fastest way to de-escalate and protect civilians on all sides is for Hizbollah to stop firing immediately," the official added.
The remarks underscore growing US frustration with stalled diplomatic efforts as cross-border hostilities continue between Israel and Hezbollah. Washington has been working to prevent a broader regional conflict while seeking a durable cessation of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border.
— IANS
Reader Comments
US wants de-escalation? Yet they supply billions in weapons to Israel. Either stop the fire from both sides or don't pretend to be peacemakers. India's policy of non-interference and strategic autonomy is better - we talk to all sides, sell weapons to none. 🙄
This is such a mess. Hezbollah is literally a designated terrorist organization by many countries, including India. But Lebanon's government is too weak to control them. Berri's "guarantee" is meaningless when Iran calls the shots. The whole region is held hostage by Tehran.
I'm conflicted. On one hand, Hezbollah is clearly the aggressor. On the other hand, Israel's response has killed thousands of civilians in Gaza and now Lebanon. Where is the humanitarian angle? India has always called for restraint and dialogue. Two wrongs don't make a right. ✌️
As an American watching this from India, I can see why the US is frustrated. But US diplomacy in the Middle East has been a failure for decades. They pick sides, then act surprised when the other side doesn't cooperate. Maybe let India mediate? We have good relations with Israel, Iran, and Arab countries.
Berri's response is "evasive and disappointing" - that's putting it mildly! He basically said "trust me bro" while his ally continues launching rockets. Lebanon's sovereignty is a joke when Hezbollah operates like a state within a state. India dealt with a similar situation in Punjab in the 1980s. The lesson: disarm militias or face
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