BEIRUT, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met on Monday with visiting U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein to discuss the developments on the Lebanon-Israel border.
Hochstein said the United States is committed to working on a long-term solution to stop the ongoing military operations on the Lebanon-Israel border, the National News Agency reported.
"The United States believes that a diplomatic solution is the only way to end the ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon, which would allow the displaced Lebanese to return to their homes, and the same is true on the other side of the border," the envoy noted.
Hochstein said, "A temporary ceasefire is insufficient," stressing that the security of each party along the Blue Line must be guaranteed.
"Today's visit is the result of weeks of escalation," he said, assuring that the United States is working with countries worldwide to create an opportunity that enhances stability and prosperity for Lebanon.
Hochstein, who arrived on Monday in Beirut, also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun, and other Lebanese officials with whom he also discussed the situation in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. ■
