US Envoy Warns Hezbollah Against Iran-Israel War Involvement
The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack has warned Hezbollah against participating in the Iran-Israel conflict. During his first Beirut visit, Barrack met with Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, emphasizig, 'That would be a very, very, very bad decision,' referring to Hezbollah's potential involvement. Barrack spoke after meeting Berri and reaffirmed US opposition to Lebanon's armed group participating in the war. Hezbollah's Cautious Stance Amid Tensions
Hezbollah condemned Israel's strikes on Iran but did not declare support or plans to intervene, since the group faced significant losses last year fighting Israel, ending with a ceasefire in November. As a result, Hezbollah's influence weakened, once seen as a key part of the Iran-led 'axis of resistance.' In response to the Iraq-Israel conflict, Lebanon's foreign ministry said it was working to prevent Lebanese involvement. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain stability and control arms proliferation.
According to the ceasefire, Hezbollah must withdraw fighters north of the Litani River, about 20 miles from Israel's border. The Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers are the only armed forces in this zone. Israel is supposed to fully withdraw from Lebanon but retains strategic positions. Lebanon also increased efforts to disarm Palestinian armed groups, who have controlled refugee camps for decades. US Support and Ongoing Regional Tensions
Barrack expressed hope that chaos would subside, leading to peace and prosperity. Despite this, Israel continued strikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. Recently, an Israeli attack in Kfar Juz killed two people, and another in Barish injured one. Israel claims to have killed two Hezbollah members in recent airstrikes. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation in the region.
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