US Special Envoy: We Want to Prevent a 'Wider War' at the Israel-Lebanon Border

Following the escalation of clashes along the southern border of Lebanon, the US special envoy states that the United States is working to prevent a larger war between Israel and Hezbollah. Amos Hochstein, the US special envoy to the Middle East, said on Tuesday, June 18, that he traveled to Lebanon immediately after a brief visit to Israel due to the 'seriousness of the situation.' Hochstein stated, 'We have witnessed an escalation of tensions in recent weeks. The President of the United States wants to prevent further escalation towards a wider war.' Hezbollah, which is supported by the Iranian government, has exchanged fire with Israel over the past eight months alongside the war in Gaza. Last week, following the death of its highest-ranking commander in an Israeli attack, Hezbollah fired a large number of rockets and drones into Israeli territory. On Tuesday morning, Hochstein met with the Lebanese Army Chief and Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, and also met with Najib Mikati, the caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon. Mikati told the US envoy, 'Lebanon is not seeking to escalate tensions.' The United States and France are working to end hostilities along the Lebanese border through diplomatic means. Hezbollah has stated that it will not cease its attacks until a ceasefire is established in the Gaza Strip. On Tuesday, Hochstein also urged Hamas to accept the US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, which he said provides 'an opportunity to end the conflict across the blue line.' Hochstein referred to the border line between Lebanon and Israel, parts of which are disputed international borders. The increase in attacks last week coincided with the Eid al-Adha holiday. Hezbollah reported on Tuesday afternoon an aerial attack on an Israeli tank, marking the first announced attack since Saturday. The group utilized its extensive arsenal against Israel last week, prompting UN officials in Lebanon to warn of 'a very real risk of miscalculation leading to sudden and wider conflict.' Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over the escalation of tensions and called on influential actors to take all possible measures to prevent an all-out war. Source: Reuters.