One of US President Joe Biden's senior advisers will travel to Israel on Monday (17 June), US media reported, citing anonymous administration officials. The person in question is Amos Hochstein, who has years of experience mediating between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Amos Hochstein will lead efforts to prevent further escalation along the "blue line" between Israel and Lebanon, said an official, who asked not to be identified. Hochstein will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant before flying to Lebanon for meetings there.
On Sunday (16 June), Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari addressed Hezbollah's attacks from Lebanon in an English-language video address. "Hezbollah's increasing aggression brings us to the brink of a wider escalation that could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region," he said in a video statement in English.
There have been almost daily attacks between the Israeli army and Hezbollah in recent months. Last week, Hezbollah launched a major rocket attack on northern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to respond with a major offensive. The US and France are working on a negotiated settlement to the hostilities along Lebanon's southern border. Hezbollah says it will not stop firing until Israel stops its military offensive in Gaza.
Source: commonspace.eu with agencies
Photo: Amos Hochstein, US President Joe Biden's special envoy. AP Photo
