US Ambassador: Syria's Intervention in Lebanon Complicates Security Scene
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said that Syria's intervention in Lebanon is "not something that the Lebanese or the Israelis want," a position that appeared to contradict statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he previously hinted that Damascus could play a direct role in confronting Hezbollah inside Lebanese territory.
The official Israeli broadcaster quoted Huckabee as saying that "the best option is for the Lebanese army to take control of the south of the country," considering that any external intervention "will further complicate the security scene."
Huckabee's comments come weeks after Trump said he was "unhappy with the way Israel has dealt with Lebanon," adding that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa "will take over" the job if Israel cannot accomplish it without extensive losses, sparking political and media controversy in Tel Aviv and Beirut.
On the other hand, Huckabee stressed that Israel does not want to stay inside Lebanon, but that it will not withdraw until calm is ensured on its northern border.
Research Centers: Huckabee Reassures Israeli Circles
Research centers and analysts specialized in Israeli affairs believe that Huckabee's statements carry political connotations on the ground, as they reflect an attempt to reassure Israeli circles concerned that Trump's statements will grant international legitimacy to the Syrian army's movements outside its borders, at a time when Tel Aviv is seeking to control tensions on its northern front.
These statements reveal a clear gap in coordination within the US administration, between the White House's rhetoric and the positions of diplomatic missions, which is confusing regional allies about the real direction of US foreign policy in the next stage.
Trump reiterates Syria's intervention in Lebanon
On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said on Tuesday, July 7, that he proposed assigning the task of confronting Hezbollah to Syria, noting that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa made pledges during their meeting on the Lebanese file, without revealing their details.
Trump added that Damascus may be able to contribute to this file, stressing that consultations between the two sides are still ongoing, while President Al-Sharia has previously stressed that Syria does not intend to engage in any escalation with Lebanon, stressing at the same time his openness to dialogue with Hezbollah if it serves the interests of Lebanon and Syria.
There was no Syrian comment on Trump's recent statements, noting that they have been confirmed more than once by President Al-Sharia that the time of guardianship is over and that Syria refuses to return to the previous methods of interference in Lebanese affairs.
Many Lebanese forces, parties and personalities have responded to Trump's statements, rejecting any Syrian intervention in Lebanon, and the last speaker of the Lebanese parliament, Nabih Berri, denied the existence of any Syrian intentions to intervene, describing Trump's statements as "talk for words", and pointing out that Damascus is preoccupied with its internal challenges and does not want to engage in neighborhood conflicts.