US special envoy Amos Hochstein landed in Israel to diffuse tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, meeting top Israeli officials. The visit aims to prevent Gaza’s conflict from escalating further, with Hezbollah and Israel exchanging daily fire. The recent assassination of a key Hezbollah commander heightened hostilities, leading to missile exchanges.
Hezbollah demonstrated new capabilities by downing drones and targeting Israeli defenses. Israel seeks UN compliance from Hezbollah’s elite force to avert a major confrontation. Amid regional complexities, the US strives to avoid broader conflict, linking Gaza ceasefire to negotiations.
The Biden administration sees the Israel-Hezbollah standoff as a grave risk, potentially drawing US-Iran clash. Backchannel diplomacy is crucial in managing tensions. Hochstein’s role in previous peace deals underscores his mission’s importance. Stay informed with MEE’s updates on these critical developments.