The US is urging Lebanon to follow Syria's lead and sit down with Israel. “We will help you”
US envoy for Turkey and Syria, Tom Barrack. Credit: AA/ABACA / Abaca Press / Profimedia
A high-ranking US official urged Lebanon on Saturday to try to hold direct talks with Israel, amid growing concerns about the intensification of Israeli attacks on Hezbollah strongholds, almost a year after a ceasefire agreement was reached, reports AFP.
Despite the November 2024 pact with Hezbollah, Israel maintains troops in five areas of southern Lebanon and has continued to carry out airstrikes on a regular basis.
On Friday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of responding to his offer to negotiate by stepping up airstrikes.
Lebanese authorities have held indirect talks with Israel, but US envoy Tom Barrack believes direct negotiations could be the key to defusing tensions.
“The conversation has to happen with Israel. It simply has to be done with Israel. Israel is ready,” the US official told reporters on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Manama Dialogue event in Bahrain.
“Go to that door, to Israel, and have a conversation,” was Tom Barrack's exhortation.
On the other hand, he told AFP that Lebanese leaders are “rightfully uneasy” about the talks.
“They are rightfully hesitant because it's a dangerous environment,” Barrack said.
“If you want to do that, we will help you. We will put pressure on Israel to be reasonable,” the US official said.
Hezbollah, which opposes Israel, has been severely weakened by the war but still has weapons and financial resilience.
The United States has pressured Lebanon to follow the example of neighboring Syria, which wants a security agreement with Israel.
“Syria is showing the way,” Barrack said during a panel discussion in Manama.
