Netanyahu and US envoy talks in Jerusalem amid escalating Israel-Lebanon border tensions
Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser to US President Joe Biden, speaks to journalists at Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport after his meeting with Lebanese officials, in Beirut, Lebanon, August 31, 2023. (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Monday with U.S. Presidential Special Envoy Amos Hochstein to address escalating tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.
The statement provided no further details about the discussions.
Hochstein arrived in Israel earlier on Monday for a visit that the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported would continue to Lebanon on Tuesday. His mission aims to defuse the mounting tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The U.S. official envoy is also scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz.
In recent weeks, the Israeli-Lebanese border has seen a significant escalation, with cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The U.S. has repeatedly called for de-escalation in the area.
In Oct. 2022, Lebanon and Israel, mediated by Hochstein, signed an agreement to delineate their maritime borders. Hezbollah hailed the agreement as a major victory for Lebanon.
Tensions have intensified along the border amid ongoing violence. The conflict has resulted in more than 37,300 deaths since last October following a Hamas attack, as Israel continues its offensive on the Gaza Strip.
