US accuses Hezbollah of trying to derail Lebanon-Israel talks

The US State Department says it is working to create conditions for "good faith conversations" between Lebanon and Israel, while accusing Hezbollah of trying to derail the diplomacy.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott made the remarks in comments attributed to him on 7 May.

He said Hezbollah was attempting to undermine the process through attacks and threats.

The statement comes as Washington seeks to support direct or indirect talks between Lebanon and Israel.

No further details were given on the format, timing or participants in the discussions.

The accusation matters because it points to continuing tension around efforts to reduce friction between the two sides.

Any attempt to move talks forward is likely to be affected by security developments on the ground.

Hezbollah has long been a central actor in Lebanon's confrontation with Israel, and US officials have repeatedly treated the group as a major obstacle to regional diplomacy.

In this case, however, only the latest US statement has been confirmed.

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