Rubio: Hezbollah obstructs negotiations between Israel and Lebanon

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that the Hezbollah militia is obstructing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

He said in remarks made at a press conference at the White House, "We want direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to move forward," but he clarified that "Hezbollah is obstructing the negotiations," despite "the possibility of reaching a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon."

Secretary Rubio affirmed that "America will do everything in its power to continue the dialogue between the two sides so that progress can be made regarding a permanent ceasefire," expressing his hope "that the Lebanese army and the Lebanese government will confront Hezbollah and strip it of its weapons."

The Israeli army had announced, this evening, the destruction of 5 tunnels in southern Lebanon and the elimination of 250 militants from the Hezbollah militia, backed by Tehran, since the beginning of the fighting and its continuation despite the current truce.

The Hezbollah militia and Israel entered into fighting since last March 2, before the announcement of the ceasefire, which began on last April 17, and continues until May 17 of this year.