Rubio on Hezbollah: an obstacle hindering peace between Lebanon and Israel

Washington believes that an obstacle stands in the way of peace between Israel and Lebanon. What is it?

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that achieving peace between Israel and Lebanon is possible, while indicating that “Hezbollah” is the real problem.

During a press briefing at the White House, Rubio said: “In general, I believe that reaching a peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel is achievable in the near future, and it should happen.”

He added: “The problem between Israel and Lebanon is neither Israel nor Lebanon, but Hezbollah.”

Rubio explained that “what needs to happen in Lebanon, and what everyone wants to see, is a Lebanese government capable of confronting Hezbollah and dismantling it.”

Israel intensified its airstrikes on Lebanon after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel on March 2, in response to the death of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Israel subsequently expanded its ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 2,702 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2.