SAEDNEWS: A US State Department spokesperson blamed Hezbollah for the continued Israeli presence in Lebanese territory while describing “pilot areas” in southern Lebanon as the only viable route toward peace. The comments came as Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon intensified, killing 11 people and injuring 19 others in the previous day’s strikes.
According to SaedNews: A US State Department spokesperson, without addressing the nature of Israel’s occupation, blamed Hezbollah for the continued Israeli presence on Lebanese territory.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the spokesperson also claimed, without providing a reason, that Hezbollah is the main obstacle to Lebanon’s economic recovery.
The official said the “pilot areas” in southern Lebanon represent the only feasible route toward peace and that Washington will continue supporting a tripartite framework aimed at achieving regional stability.
The spokesperson gave no timetable for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, but said the United States was looking forward to the completion of Lebanese army clearance operations in the pilot areas.
The optimistic tone from the US official came as Israel intensified its attacks on southern Lebanon in recent days. In the previous day’s strikes, 11 people were killed and another 19 were wounded.
