Hochstein in Talks with Berri, Still Pursuing Gaza Truce

Speaker Nabih Berri has dismissed the possibility of an imminent escalation of the Israeli conflict with Lebanon, citing ongoing communications with U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein, a key parliamentary source revealed.

Hochstein remains engaged with Berri, hoping for a ceasefire in Gaza that would extend to southern Lebanon. This ceasefire would enable Hochstein to travel to Beirut to negotiate with Berri for a settlement to restore calm and stability through the implementation of Resolution 1701, the source told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, triggering the war in Gaza, Hezbollah has engaged in almost daily cross-border exchanges of fire with Israeli forces in support of Hamas.

According to an AFP tally, the conflict since October has resulted in at least 518 deaths in Lebanon, mostly fighters but including 104 civilians. On the Israeli side, 18 soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed, Israeli authorities reported.