A fragile balance: Amos Hochstein’s Role in the Lebanese-Israeli Equation.

Written by Elijah J. Magnier:

Since the beginning of the “Al-Aqsa Flood”, US presidential envoy Amos Hochstein has made a trip to Beirut under the guise of “mediation”, bringing with him veiled threats not directly uttered by Israeli officials. Hochstein subtly suggested that “the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah remains unrelated to the ceasefire pact in Gaza”. The American envoy’s ability to offer a definitive and all-encompassing guarantee to the conflicting Israeli, Palestinian and Lebanese factions is limited. Nevertheless, he proposes “a viable blueprint aimed at devising a solution that will prevent Israel’s aggressive campaign against Lebanon”, ostensibly to ensure the full implementation of International Resolution 1701. This analysis examines the reception of the American proposal by Hezbollah, the first party involved, and its significance in the context of the ongoing conflict.

Amos Hochstein, the American mediator, was born to Jewish parents and comes from an Israeli family. He served in the Israeli military and advised Prime Minister Shimon Peres. His career took him to the US State Department, where he has worked since 2011. His appointment by President Joe Biden as Special Envoy for Infrastructure and Energy Security marks a significant milestone in his career.

Hochstein’s role and impact

The selection of Amos Hochstein as the President’s Special Envoy for Negotiations with Lebanon is seen by directly involved sources as an American act of provocation and arrogance towards Middle Eastern nations that reject normalisation, particularly Lebanon. The appointment of a former Israeli officer for such negotiations is seen as a clear indication of the United States’ overt favouritism towards Israel, disregarding Lebanese perspectives that see Israel as an adversary and an unrecognised entity.

Moreover, Hochstein, who was instrumental in establishing the maritime demarcation between Lebanon and Israel, also sought to protect Israeli energy infrastructure from potential Hezbollah attacks. These energy platforms are vital for supplying gas to neighbouring countries such as Jordan and Egypt, and potentially to Europe, positioning Israel as a secure and reliable hub. This strategy dovetails with President Biden’s announcement before 7 October of a project to create an alternative route to the Chinese Silk Road, stretching from India through Saudi Arabia and Israel to Greece.