Following a series of assassinations of senior Hezbollah leaders by Israel, the United States is looking for ways to resolve the political stalemate in Lebanon and reduce tensions in the region. According to the US State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken held telephone conversations with acting Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabhi Berri, emphasizing the need to stabilize the situation.
This week, Blinken also discussed with diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and France possible measures to reduce tensions in the Middle East, including holding presidential elections in Lebanon. He noted that the election of a new president could strengthen the country’s governance and facilitate the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from Israel’s northern border, which is in line with the UN Security Council resolution that ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.
“The Lebanese people have an interest in the government taking responsibility for the country and its future,” Blinken said.
He stressed that the position of president, which has been vacant for two years, is of great importance to ensure stability in Lebanon. According to him, only the Lebanese people should determine the future of their country, and no external actor, including the United States, Israel or other regional powers, should interfere in this process.
Blinken also said that the United States and the international community are working to create conditions for security and stability in Lebanon. At the same time, he stressed that Lebanon should not allow Iran and Hezbollah to interfere in this process.
Note that the State Department statements did not mention possible ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah.
