Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Israel’s continued military operations in southern Lebanon are solely a response to Hezbollah attacks, while emphasizing that the United States is working to strengthen Lebanon’s ability to police its own territory and prevent future threats against Israel.

Speaking to reporters before departing Kuwait, Rubio discussed ongoing American-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon, describing the negotiations as part of a broader effort to reduce Hezbollah’s influence and expand the authority of Lebanon’s official government and military.

“The whole purpose, the only reason Israel is in Lebanon is because Hezbollah launches rockets and drones from there,” Rubio said. “The reason why they’re involved there is because territory of Lebanon is being used to launch drones and missiles against Israel.”

According to Rubio, the long-term objective is to place more areas of southern Lebanon under the control of the Lebanese Armed Forces rather than Hezbollah.

“Our hope [is] that the Lebanese armed forces and the legitimate, sovereign Lebanese government will continue to be able to control and secure more and more of their own territory, because that’s who needs to control Lebanese territory, not a terrorist group like Hezbollah,” he stated.

While expressing confidence in the intentions of Lebanon’s government, Rubio acknowledged that its military still requires significant development before it can fully assume responsibility for security in the region.

“We have to build up that capacity. That’s been a longstanding challenge. I think the willingness is there. I think we need to help build up that capacity,” he said.

Rubio explained that current discussions include the possibility of establishing limited “pilot zones” where Lebanese forces would first assume responsibility before the concept is expanded elsewhere.

“This is not going to happen overnight,” he said.

The secretary also stressed that Israel has no desire to retain Lebanese territory and has repeatedly conveyed that its presence is tied exclusively to security concerns.

“I want to reiterate what the Israelis have told us, and that is the only reason why they’re there is because Hezbollah’s launching against their people. If Hezbollah wasn’t launching against them, they wouldn’t be there,” Rubio said.

A substantial portion of Rubio’s remarks focused on the ongoing diplomatic effort between Washington and Tehran.

Asked about the administration’s decision to provide a temporary 60-day waiver easing certain sanctions on Iranian oil exports, Rubio characterized the move as a tactical element of the negotiation process rather than a permanent policy shift.

“Anytime you enter into a negotiation, it’s a process of give and take. This is a temporary measure. It’s for 60 days,” he said.

Rubio warned that the sanctions relief is contingent on Iran honoring commitments it made during recent discussions in Switzerland and suggested that President Donald Trump retains a wide range of options if Tehran fails to comply.

“We expect them to live up to the commitments they made in Switzerland,” he said. “If they don’t live up to those commitments, the President has a lot of options at his disposal, including, I’m not saying he’s going to do it, I’m saying including reversing these sanctions.”

Emphasizing the administration’s expectations, Rubio added, “They’ve made very straight-up commitments in Switzerland, and the President has been very clear they need to keep those commitments.”

When asked about the timeline for allowing international inspectors access to Iran’s nuclear facilities, Rubio indicated that inspections should begin immediately.

“As soon as possible.”

“That needs to happen. That’s a commitment they made, and it’s one they need to keep,” he said.

Rubio also made clear that any eventual agreement must be comprehensive and enforceable, signaling that Washington will not settle for a symbolic arrangement.

“If we’re going to get a deal, it has to be a real deal, and it has to be a good deal,” he said. “If Iran wants to make a good and real deal, the United States is open to that. If they’re not, then, of course, the President has options.”

The secretary dismissed speculation that Israel is attempting to derail the current memorandum of understanding that governs the negotiations, insisting that Jerusalem remains fully informed regarding the administration’s efforts.

“We’re working on this. The Israelis exactly know what we’re working on. All of our partners in the region know what we’re working on. Everybody understands what the President’s red lines and positions are on this,” he said.

Rubio further revealed that negotiations will continue next week, with technical experts scheduled to resume discussions as diplomats work through a range of complex issues.

“The technical group will return on the 30th next week to continue those talks,” he said, explaining that the negotiations have been divided into multiple tracks addressing different components of a potential agreement.

Addressing concerns among Gulf Arab nations, Rubio pledged that the administration would remain in close contact with regional partners and would not pursue an arrangement that jeopardizes their security.

“We’re not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our long-standing allies in the region,” he said.

{Matzav.com}