Mikati: Lebanon mulls over Hochstein’s proposal

Lebanon is reviewing a spoken suggestion made by U.S. diplomat Amos Hochstein, who was in Lebanon on Monday with the goal of reducing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, according to caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Mikati expressed to al-Jadeed in a Tuesday interview that Lebanon has queries regarding Hochstein’s proposal and is awaiting further clarification. He mentioned that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is examining the proposal, possibly in consultation with Hezbollah, and anticipated reaching out to Hochstein within 48 hours to address recent developments related to the suggestion.

The proposal from Hochstein centers on a strategy for enforcing U.N. Resolution 1701, with Mikati clarifying that Lebanon’s commitment to the resolution is contingent on Israel ceasing its infractions and vacating Lebanese territories it occupies.

Amid ongoing discussions in Cairo involving international mediators and Hamas, aiming for a ceasefire by Ramadan’s onset, Hochstein’s comments highlighted that a ceasefire in Gaza might not directly extend to Lebanon. His engagements in Beirut and Israel strive to establish specific agreements toward a diplomatic resolution.

Mikati disclosed that he’s been advised of an imminent ceasefire in Gaza prior to Ramadan and that dialogue concerning Lebanon’s situation will proceed during the holy month.