Report: Lebanese officials collaborate with Hochstein on ‘plan B’

Lebanese officials are collaborating with U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein on a contingency plan for the southern front, as reported by MTV.

MTV mentioned that this “plan B” could be enhanced if U.S. President Joe Biden’s Gaza ceasefire proposal does not succeed, potentially persuading Hezbollah.

This week, Hochstein traveled between Jerusalem and Beirut, advocating for “urgent” de-escalation.

Hezbollah escalated its attacks on northern Israel last week after an Israeli airstrike killed one of its senior commanders.

Hezbollah claimed to have conducted over 2,100 military operations against Israel since October 8, following the Hamas attack that ignited the Gaza conflict.

The group has stated that its cross-border attacks will continue until the Gaza war ends, as it acts in support of Hamas and the people of Gaza.

The violence has resulted in at least 473 deaths in Lebanon, mostly fighters but also 92 civilians, according to an AFP tally. Israeli authorities report that at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed in northern Israel.