On October 11, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri held a 40-minute phone conversation to discuss the current situation in Lebanon amidst ongoing Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah. Blinken emphasized the necessity for Lebanon to assert its sovereignty and elect a new president, highlighting the urgency given the recent escalation in violence.
During a summit in Laos, Blinken stated, 'It is clear that the Lebanese people have a strong interest in having their state assert itself and take responsibility for the country and its future.' The U.S. aims to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East, seeking a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Lebanon.
In a separate conversation, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry spoke with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian regarding the escalating tensions in Lebanon and Gaza. Shoukry condemned the Israeli military's actions, which have impacted UN peacekeeping forces and called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Lebanon, where over 1.2 million citizens have been displaced.
These discussions underscore the international community's concern over the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, with both the U.S. and Egypt advocating for stability and adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and the protection of its territorial integrity.
The outcomes of these high-level talks could significantly influence the political landscape in Lebanon, particularly in the context of electing a new president amid ongoing tensions.