Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 5 that a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon is within reach, but that Hezbollah stands in the way.
“I think a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel is eminently achievable and should be,” Rubio said at a White House press briefing. “The problem with Israel and Lebanon is not Israel or Lebanon, it’s Hezbollah.”
Rubio said the U.S. wants a Lebanese government and army with the capability to “challenge Hezbollah and disarm them.” A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon reached in mid-April had been extended into May.
Sources: Reuters, The Washington Times
Editor’s note: This article was updated on October 17, 2026 to correct factual errors, including officials’ titles and event details, and to add source links.
