The new United States ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, declared that Israel \u201cdoes not require the permission of the United States\u201d to defend itself.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsrael assesses its own security needs and will take whatever measures it deems necessary to protect its citizens,\u201d Issa told Haaretz in an interview.<\/p>\n
He stressed that Washington is in full contact with the Lebanese government and is \u201cstrongly urging them to implement their own historic decision to disarm Hezbollah.\u201d <\/p>\n
According to Issa, the US commitment to this decision \u201cis essential for restoring the authority of the Lebanese state and safeguarding the country\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Issa added, \u201cDisarming Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations in Lebanon, as well as ending Iran\u2019s proxy activities more broadly, is a key step to ensuring peace in Lebanon and across the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
Issa declined to comment on the likelihood of diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon. <\/p>\n
The interview with Issa comes as tensions remain high, a year into a US- and French-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel accuses Beirut of failing to uphold its obligation to disarm Hezbollah, which is designated a terrorist organization by the US.<\/p>\n
Israel has struck Hezbollah targets<\/a> in Lebanon as the terrorist organization continues to rebuild its military infrastructure and maintain an armed presence near Israel\u2019s northern border.<\/p>\n Most recently, Israel eliminated<\/a> Hezbollah\u2019s Chief of Staff, Haytham Ali Tabtabai, in a strike in Beirut.<\/p>\n