On May 31 (US time), the US proposed a new plan to reduce tensions between Israel and Lebanon, amid ongoing clashes involving Hezbollah forces and increasing the risk of escalating conflict.
According to a US official, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon. In these exchanges, Washington proposed a "gradually de-escalation" process.
According to the plan, the first step is that Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces will end all attacks on Israel. In return, Israel will restrain escalating actions in Beirut.
US officials said this approach will facilitate the process of gradually reducing tensions and towards effectively ending hostile actions.
President Joseph Aoun is said to have made efforts to promote the proposal and seek an agreement between the parties. However, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who declares he can guarantee Hezbollah's ceasefire commitment, believes that Israel needs to stop "first firing".
While diplomatic efforts are being deployed, the situation on the ground remains complicated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had ordered the army to go deeper into Lebanese territory in the campaign against Hezbollah, despite the ceasefire announced more than 6 weeks ago.
In the latest advance, the Israeli army has taken control of the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and a strategic high point in southern Lebanon. This information was announced by the Israeli army one day after Hezbollah carried out one of the most intense shelling raids on northern Israel since the ceasefire in April.
The attacks have led to the closure of schools and the application of restrictive measures in the affected area in northern Israel.
US officials emphasized that Washington does not believe Israel should continue to suffer prolonged attacks on civilians from Hezbollah.
