Hochstein keeps aide in Beirut for extended discussions

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, after his recent visit to Lebanon, traveled to Israel via Cyprus on Monday night, leaving behind one of his key advisors in Beirut to maintain dialogue with Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and indirectly with Hezbollah, according to a report by al-Akhbar newspaper on Wednesday.

During his meetings, Hochstein expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire in Gaza soon and conveyed his intention to leverage this anticipated truce to initiate discussions with Lebanon for reinforcing a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, sources told the newspaper.

Lebanon is now anticipating Hochstein’s return to Beirut, armed with a comprehensive strategy to ensure peace along the Lebanese border following the Gaza truce announcement, as reported by al-Akhbar.

Beirut officials have communicated to Hochstein their expectation for a “convincing and practical” proposal from the U.S. envoy, the newspaper added.