The United States may get involved in mediating the end of a border dispute between Lebanon and Israel that has caused tensions and cross-border violence in recent months, according to a senior White House adviser, Amos Hochstein.
Hochstein, at the end of a two-day visit to Lebanon, stated that it is “natural” to resolve the issue and build on the 2022 delineation of the maritime border between the two countries. He visited southern Lebanon during his trip to gain a better understanding of the situation and assess if it is the right time for the U.S. to get involved.
The border dispute between Lebanon and Israel includes both maritime and land boundaries. The maritime border delineation has already led to Lebanon commencing offshore exploration activities. The land demarcation line, known as the Blue Line, was marked by the United Nations when Israeli forces withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000.
Recent months have seen spikes in violence at the border, with rockets fired at Israel following Israeli attacks against Palestinians, and clashes between Hezbollah forces and Israeli forces. The village of Ghajar, divided by the Blue Line, has been a focal point of tension, with Israel occupying the entire village since 2006.
UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL has hosted meetings between Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations in an effort to address the border dispute.
