"U.S. Seeks Opportunity for Renewed Effort to Resolve Lebanon's Political Deadlock and Alleviate Tensions".

The U.S. sees a potential opportunity to break the ongoing political deadlock in Lebanon, aiming to ease the escalating conflict. With Israel's recent military actions weakening Hezbollah's leadership, some in Washington believe this could create a window for renewed diplomatic efforts. 

On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone calls with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss the need for political resolution. Blinken emphasized that Lebanon's future should be determined solely by its people, free from external influence, including from the U.S., Israel, or other regional players.

Lebanon has been without a president since October 2022, and the U.S. and other international actors have long urged the country to resolve its political paralysis. Blinken stressed the importance of electing a new president, noting that this could reduce tensions in the region by prompting Hezbollah to pull back its forces from Israel's northern border, in line with a U.N. Security Council resolution.

Despite years of deadlock, largely attributed to Hezbollah's reluctance to compromise, some U.S. officials believe the recent weakening of the group offers a rare chance for political movement. However, others argue that Hezbollah's deep entrenchment in Lebanon’s political and social systems makes it difficult to curb its influence. 

In talks with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, France, and Egypt, Blinken reiterated the importance of Lebanon’s stability and democratic process. He underscored U.S. support for the Lebanese people's desire for a stable, prosperous, and independent country, and for the election of a new president to help navigate Lebanon through its economic crisis.

Blinken is expected to attend an international conference on Lebanon in France later this month, as the U.S. continues to push for the implementation of a U.N. resolution calling for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to maintain security in the region. 

Ed Gabriel, president of the American Task Force on Lebanon, expressed hope for a reform-oriented leader, highlighting the need for Lebanon’s parliament to elect a president capable of steering the country through this critical period.