In a bid to broker peace, US envoy Amos Hochstein is set to meet Lebanese leaders on 21 October 2024, as the situation between Israel and Hezbollah escalates. With Israeli military operations intensifying, Lebanon braces for what’s being dubbed a crucial round of talks.
Israeli Strikes Ramp Up
Overnight, Israeli forces targeted locations across Lebanon, claiming to strike at the heart of Hezbollah’s financial operations. Meanwhile, Beirut residents expressed worry, witnessing plumes of black smoke and the chaos of panicked crowds in the streets. Micheline Jabbour, a local pastry shop worker, voiced a common sentiment: “Strike, strike, strike with planes and drones, and we don’t know who they are targeting and who will die each day.”
High Stakes for Hochstein
Hochstein’s visit coincides with a turbulent backdrop. He’s scheduled to meet with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who has been vocal about the potential for limited progress. Berri referred to the visit as a “last chance” for a truce before impending US elections. Yet, skepticism is prevalent among locals, such as Tony Rawandos, a car workshop owner, who remarked, “It’s all a waste of time. Will he be able to get rid of Hezbollah’s weapons?”
Escalating Regional Violence
This renewed push for diplomacy follows Israel’s recent killing of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader responsible for the attack on Israel last October, which triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As violence flares, Israel has intensified its military presence, reportedly displacing over 1.2 million people in Lebanon alone.
The Role of the US
In a delicate balancing act, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also in the region, holding discussions with Israeli officials. Blinken’s visit, marking his 11th trip since the start of hostilities, aims to explore pathways back to a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. The overarching goal remains: to quell the year-long turmoil that has seen casualties soar on both sides.
What’s Next?
Despite pressure on Israel to refrain from striking Iranian interests, the Israeli military continues operations. Reports indicate that Israel has laid out specific conditions for a diplomatic resolution, including the need for ongoing military operations to prevent Hezbollah from rearming along the border.
As the diplomatic clock ticks, many wonder: can Hochstein’s mission succeed where others have failed? With local confidence waning, all eyes are on Beirut as the region braces for developments.