Hochstein: Shebaa Farms not on my agenda

Amos Hochstein, a mediator from the United States, is scheduled to meet with Lebanon’s Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab in a European city before his forthcoming trip to Lebanon, according to high-ranking political sources. They revealed that Hochstein and Bou Saab have been in regular telephone contact and had a recent face-to-face meeting in Dubai. Sources reported to al-Akhbar newspaper that Hochstein’s focus during his mission will be primarily on the Blue Line, a border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel.

He regards the issue of Shebaa Farms as a matter to be resolved between Lebanon and Syria, thus not including it in his current agenda. Additionally, Lisa Johnson, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, is expected to arrive in Beirut this Thursday. She will serve as the charge d’affaires until a new Lebanese president is elected and can formally receive her credentials. Meanwhile, Johnson plans to meet with various political groups in Lebanon as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the south, as reported by diplomatic sources to al-Akhbar.