American Ambassador Michel Issa said Wednesday that Israeli attacks persist because Hezbollah has not surrendered its weapons, and asked why Lebanon makes demands only of Israel.
Issa made the remarks during a visit to Dar al-Fatwa after meeting Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian. He said the United States is committed to supporting Lebanon and achieving its sovereignty, and that his positions with the Mufti are aligned.
The ambassador posed the question directly: "Hezbollah does not want to do anything, so why do we ask Israel to do everything? Why do you only ask Israel to withdraw, and you don't ask Hezbollah to disarm?"
Issa said the U.S. is prepared to negotiate with Hezbollah "if they have something to offer us". Negotiations are ongoing and pilot zones are progressing, though implementation takes time, he added.
On the situation in Ali al-Tahir, Issa said "I do not know what will happen. Let us wait and see." He said he is monitoring developments there over the coming two days.
The ambassador stated that the United States cares about every community in Lebanon and wants to understand what each community seeks.
