U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein on Monday voiced deep disappointment over the failure to contain the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, despite multiple attempts and warnings, saying that the situation has spiraled out of control.

"We were unable to contain the conflict in Lebanon, despite my repeated visits," Hochstein stated following his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut. "I consistently urged that steps be taken to address the issues, but unfortunately, a solution was rejected. Now, the situation has slipped beyond control."

 "It pains me to witness the suffering of the Lebanese people, who long for a peaceful return to their homes and to construct a brighter future," he remarked.

For nearly a year, efforts had been made to prevent the situation from worsening, according to Hochstein. However, these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful. He warned that tying Lebanon’s fate to broader regional conflicts has proven detrimental.  

“Tying Lebanon’s future to other conflicts in the region was not and is not in the interest of the Lebanese people,” Hochstein said, adding that the United States wants to end the conflict “as soon as possible.”

Hochstein described his meeting with Berri as “constructive”, noting that while in Lebanon he would speak with members of the government, the military, and anyone else who is willing to work on putting the country “on a new course of strength, security, stability, and ultimately, economic prosperity.”

Hochstein clarified that he was not proposing changes to Resolution 1701, but called for its strict enforcement. The resolution, passed in 2006, calls for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, and urges the deployment of the Lebanese army to secure the country’s southern border.

Hochstein said nobody made any efforts to implement the resolution, adding that both sides simply adhering to it is not enough. He stressed that the goal is to build confidence on both sides that the resolution will be fully implemented and upheld, and to make sure the halting of the conflict is done is a way that ensures it will not repeat in a month or a year.

He also urged the Lebanese government to prioritize the safety and stability of its people, underscoring that Lebanon’s leadership must take decisive actions. Hochstein reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to bringing an end to the conflict as quickly as possible and called for bold decisions that would serve the long-term interests of the Lebanese people.

"Things cannot continue as they have over the past 18 years. Resolution 1701 must be implemented, and if Lebanon’s leadership takes the courageous steps necessary, the world will stand with them," Hochstein declared.

In addition to political and diplomatic support, Hochstein highlighted the importance of international assistance in Lebanon's reconstruction efforts. He stressed that strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces is critical to securing lasting peace and stability.

“The international community is ready to assist in Lebanon’s rebuilding. But first, we must support the Lebanese army, which must be the key player in restoring order and protecting the country from further conflict,” Hochstein concluded.