‘Peace is within reach’: Rubio points to Hezbollah as key obstacle between Lebanon and Israel

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns of the prolonged threat Hezbollah imposes on Lebanon and how that contributes to their conflict with Israel.

“There’s no problem with the Lebanese government and the Israeli government, Israel doesn’t claim any land belongs to them,” Mr Rubio said.

“By large, I think a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel is imminently achievable.

“The problem with Israel and Lebanon is … Hezbollah, Hezbollah operates from inside Lebanese territory, they terrorise and attack Israelis, but they also are inflicting tremendous damage on the Lebanese people.

“Our hope is to engage the Lebanese and Israeli governments under … our mediation at the table to achieve this.”