Rubio says Hezbollah blocking Israel-Lebanon peace
Key Takeaways
- Marco Rubio said Israel has "no territorial claims in Lebanon" and that a peace deal is possible.
- He described Hezbollah as the main barrier to peace and accused the group of being funded and controlled by Iran.
- Rubio's comments come amid reports of renewed diplomatic efforts involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran and the United States.
US secretary of state argues a peace agreement is possible if Hezbollah's influence is removed
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel and Lebanon could reach a peace agreement quickly, but argued that Hezbollah remains the main barrier to such a deal.
Speaking before lawmakers in Congress on Tuesday, Rubio said Israel had no territorial ambitions in Lebanon and suggested the political conditions for an agreement already exist.
"It's one of the most ironic situations in the world. The Lebanese government and the Israeli government could do a peace deal tomorrow. Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon," Rubio said.
He placed responsibility for ongoing instability on Hezbollah and its relationship with Iran.
"In fact, Hezbollah has called for the overthrow of the current Lebanese government. The impediment in Lebanon is the fact that Hezbollah has embedded itself into that country and is the reason for all the suffering that's happening there right now and all the suffering that's historically happened, entirely funded, entirely controlled by Iran. There is no Hezbollah without Iran. There is no Hezbollah without Iran."
Rubio's remarks came as diplomatic efforts continue across the region amid tensions involving Israel, Lebanon and Iran.
On Monday night, reports emerged of a heated phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over threats to strike Beirut's southern suburbs. Some media outlets reported that Trump told Netanyahu he was "f***ing crazy" over the issue.
The reports followed warnings from Iran that attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs could derail ongoing peace efforts.
At the same time, reports have suggested that Washington and Tehran may be moving closer to an agreement that could include a 60-day ceasefire extension, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports.
The reported proposals would be followed by discussions on Iran's nuclear programme and possible sanctions relief, although neither the United States nor Iran has confirmed the reports.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
