U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Proposes De-Escalation Plan
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposing a plan for gradual de-escalation.
The U.S. official stated that the first step would see Hezbollah cease all attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from escalation in Beirut. This move aims to create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri claimed he could guarantee Hezbollah’s commitment to a ceasefire but insisted Israel must stop “shooting first.”
Despite a ceasefire announced over six weeks ago, Netanyahu ordered troops further into Lebanon in the latest advance. Israeli forces seized Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday, amid heavy Hezbollah fire toward northern Israel.
The U.S. official said they did not expect Israel to absorb ongoing attacks from Hezbollah on its civilians.