Senior White House official Amos Hochstein is set to meet with French officials in Paris to discuss ways to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. The conflict has escalated to the point where Israel has reportedly lost sovereignty in its north, according to Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.
Hochstein, President Biden’s envoy for the border conflict, will meet with French officials including President Macron’s special envoy to Lebanon. With Lebanon’s history as a French protectorate, France could play a key role in proposing solutions to halt the fighting.
The US has been working to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, with fears growing in recent weeks as cross-border attacks intensify. Israel has even threatened to shift focus from Hamas to Hezbollah. However, experts like Firas Maksad believe there is still time for a diplomatic solution.
Blinken has emphasized the need for all parties involved to avoid a war, noting that no one actually wants it. He highlighted the need for a ceasefire in Gaza to reduce tensions, as Hezbollah has suggested they would stop firing into Israel if a ceasefire is reached in Gaza. Hochstein has been engaging with Israeli and Lebanese officials to negotiate a Hezbollah pullback in exchange for economic assistance for southern Lebanon.
Overall, the goal of the talks in Paris is to find a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict and create a secure environment that will allow displaced individuals to return to their homes. The US remains committed to preventing a war between Israel and Hezbollah and is working with international partners to achieve a diplomatic solution.
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