Lebanon: Sheikh Al-Khatib meets US Ambassador to discuss regional crisis

Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, Vice President of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, met with US Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa to discuss the ongoing crisis in Lebanon and the broader regional situation.

During the meeting, Al-Khatib emphasized the need for the United States to adopt a “just and balanced” role in resolving the conflict. He stated that the Shiite community has taken up arms in response to Israeli occupation and expressed a willingness to address the situation if provided with necessary guarantees and protections for their future.

Al-Khatib urged the US administration to pressure Israel to facilitate discussions regarding national security strategies. He also called for national dialogue under the presidency to develop a comprehensive national vision for the next phase of the crisis. The discussions highlighted tensions regarding US support for Israel and the contrasting roles of regional actors in the conflict.