A source at the U.S. State Department said Washington now considers communication with the Lebanese government to be nearly suspended, reflecting growing tensions over the situation in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
The United States currently leads the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon, a mechanism established under the November 27, 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The committee was designed to monitor security arrangements and support efforts to maintain stability along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
The development comes as Lebanon faces intensifying Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, following Hezbollah’s decision to launch attacks on Israel earlier this month. Hezbollah has continued firing rockets and drones toward Israeli territory, including one of the largest rocket barrages reported in recent days.
In response, Israel has conducted large-scale strikes targeting Hezbollah positions, including attacks in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa region, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, more than 600 people have been killed, while widespread evacuation orders have forced over 800,000 residents to flee their homes.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned that the country is passing through an extremely dangerous phase, stressing that the government is working intensively to prevent Lebanon from being drawn deeper into the regional war. He reiterated that the government aims to restore the state’s authority over decisions of war and peace.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israeli military to prepare for expanded operations in Lebanon, raising fears that the conflict could further escalate.
