International

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Washington, 6 May: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon are primarily driven by Hezbollah, emphasizing that the group is the central destabilizing force in the region.

Speaking during a press briefing in Washington in the early hours of Wednesday (Indian time), Rubio said that the conflict between Israel and Lebanon should not be viewed as a direct dispute between the two countries, but rather as a consequence of Hezbollah’s activities operating from within Lebanese territory.

He explained that Hezbollah carries out attacks and what he described as acts of terror against Israelis while also causing significant harm to the people of Lebanon itself. According to Rubio, Israel’s military actions in Lebanon are largely a response to threats posed by Hezbollah.

The US Secretary of State further expressed hope that diplomatic efforts could bring both the Lebanese and Israeli governments to the negotiating table. He stressed that a key requirement for stability would be not only the willingness of Lebanon’s armed forces and government but also their capability to confront Hezbollah and move toward its disarmament.

Rubio also highlighted what he described as Iran’s role in supporting regional militant groups. He alleged that Hezbollah operates as an Iranian proxy and stated that groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and to some extent the Houthis, are backed by Tehran. He claimed that Iran remains behind multiple destabilizing actors across the region.

He added that beyond concerns such as nuclear issues, these groups contribute significantly to instability, with Hezbollah described as a key instrument of Iran’s broader strategic influence in the Middle East.