U.S. Envoy says Syrian role in Lebanon rejected by both Beirut, Israel
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Saturday the idea of Syria playing a role in Lebanon has not been welcomed by either the Lebanese or the Israelis, arguing that strengthening the Lebanese army remains the preferred path to stabilizing the country.
In an interview with Fox News, Huckabee said the best option is for the Lebanese Armed Forces to continue gradually extending their authority across the country.
The U.S. ambassador also said Israel ultimately seeks a full withdrawal from Lebanon, but only once security conditions allow residents of northern Israel to return home safely.
Huckabee’s remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he had proposed assigning Syria a role in confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon, a suggestion that has drawn mixed reactions across the region.