US Proposes Beirut De-escalation Deal as Israel Expands Offensive in South Lebanon
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 1
US Proposes Beirut De-escalation Deal as Israel Expands Offensive in South Lebanon
9 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jun 1
Marco Rubio pitched a tradeoff to Israel and Lebanon: Israel would avoid escalating in Beirut if Hezbollah halts all attacks on Israel, a U.S. official said.
Joseph Aoun tried to secure agreement on the proposal, but Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri blocked progress by insisting Israel stop shooting first, according to the official.
Washington cast Hezbollah as following Tehran's lead and said Iran wants to prolong the conflict, arguing an immediate halt to Hezbollah fire is the fastest path to protect civilians.
The proposal surfaced as Israel widened its offensive against the Iran-backed militia in southern Lebanon, underscoring the gap between battlefield escalation and diplomatic efforts.
With the U.S. and Iran negotiating peace, why is Tehran simultaneously fueling the escalating war in Lebanon?
If Hezbollah is a 'shaky shadow of itself,' why can it still defy a U.S.-backed peace plan and prolong a devastating war?
Lebanon's government has outlawed Hezbollah's military. Why is the state unable to enforce its own laws and stop the fighting?