Lebanon's Foreign Minister recently voiced his disappointment with US President Joe Biden's remarks at the United Nations regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. During a virtual event hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in New York, the Foreign Minister expressed his belief that the United States is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact in the region.
President Biden briefly touched on the widening conflict in the Middle East during his final speech to the UN General Assembly, amidst reports of cross-border strikes resulting in hundreds of casualties. The Foreign Minister criticized Biden's speech, describing it as lacking strength and promise in addressing the ongoing crisis.
Referring to the conflict in Gaza and the potential for a broader regional war, the Foreign Minister condemned Israel's reliance on military actions for survival and raised concerns about civilian casualties in Lebanon. He highlighted that an estimated half a million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the escalating violence.
Israel recently declared the safe return of residents to northern Israel as a war goal following nearly a year of exchanges of fire with Hezbollah along the border. President Biden emphasized the importance of preventing further displacement on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanon border, stating that a full-scale war would not serve anyone's interests.
While acknowledging the escalation of the situation, President Biden expressed optimism that a diplomatic solution remains possible. He urged all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolutions to prevent further suffering and instability in the region.
