Allies in name only
US joins France in accusing Israel of ceasefire violations
Drones over Beirut cited as evidence; Amos Hochstein conveys concerns to Israeli officials.
Officials confirmed that the United States has joined France today (Monday) in accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.
Amos Hochstein, the Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy and the U.S. envoy to the Middle East complained to Israeli officials about violations of the agreement, highlighting the fact that drones were circling the skies over Beirut, which is proscribed by the agreement.
Amos Hochstein has spent the past year navigating a diplomatic tightrope, traveling between Washington, Israel, and key Arab capitals to mediate between hostile neighbors and prevent the ongoing conflict from spiraling into a broader regional - or even global - war.
He described the agreement, which took effect last Wednesday morning, as a significant achievement for regional stability. Hochstein highlighted its enforcement mechanisms, the reduction of Hezbollah’s military capacity to threaten Israel, and the assurances provided to the Jewish state ensuring its perpetual right to self-defense.