Beirut – A senior U.S. official expressed optimism on Tuesday about a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, suggesting that a ceasefire agreement could be within reach as negotiations make headway.
Amos Hochstein, a U.S. envoy, addressed the media in Beirut after discussions with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. This came a day after the Lebanese government and Iran-backed Hezbollah conditionally accepted a U.S. ceasefire proposal, adding comments on its content.
“I came back because we have a real opportunity to bring this conflict to an end,” Hochstein stated at the press conference. He emphasized the importance of decisive action, noting, “This is a moment of decision-making. I am here in Beirut to facilitate that decision, but it’s ultimately the decision of the parties to reach a conclusion to this conflict.”
Hochstein underscored the urgency of the moment, saying, “It is now within our grasp… As the window is now, I hope the coming days yield a resolute decision.”
Shortly after Hochstein’s remarks, Hezbollah’s media office announced that the group’s leader, Naim Qassem, would deliver a speech later on Tuesday.
The conflict, which escalated into full-scale war in late September following Israel’s major offensive against the heavily armed Hezbollah, has raised widespread concerns about stability in the region. The current diplomatic efforts represent a crucial step toward potentially halting the violence.