Israeli foreign minister, US envoy discuss Lebanon, regional issues in Beirut

JERUSALEM

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met Saturday with US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus following her visit to Lebanon, he wrote on X.

Saar said he and Ortagus were briefed on the situation in Lebanon by US Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who heads a committee overseeing the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, and discussed regional developments.

He said Israel’s military gains against the Lebanese resistance group, Hezbollah, present an opportunity for a “better future in Lebanon” and improved ties between the two countries.

Saar added that under US President Donald Trump’s leadership, Israel remains committed to working closely with Washington to build a “better future in the region.”

Before visiting Israel, Ortagus traveled to Lebanon, where she met President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut.

Her praise for Israel and remarks that Hezbollah would not be part of the new government sparked criticism.