Turkey has approached the United States and Lebanon with a proposal to help broker an arrangement involving Hezbollah, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Jerusalem Post.
The initiative includes an offer by Ankara to act as a mediator and take an active role in addressing the Hezbollah issue. The proposal reflects Turkey’s broader effort to expand its diplomatic reach and position itself as a regional power broker. The US administration has not yet provided a clear response, with officials neither accepting nor rejecting the offer.
In recent years, Turkey has sought greater involvement across the Middle East, particularly in areas bordering Israel. In the Gaza Strip, Ankara aimed to participate in a planned CMCC peacekeeping force expected to be deployed following “Trump’s 20-point plan,” but Israel vetoed the inclusion of Turkish troops.
In Syria, Turkey has emerged as a significant actor since the rise of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. At the same time, Israel has worked to prevent the establishment of Turkish military bases in the country.
According to one source, the reaction in Beirut has been “not very enthusiastic.” The Lebanese government is hesitant to embrace the initiative, citing concerns over expanding Turkish influence in the country – an outcome that could further complicate Lebanon’s fragile political balance.
Before the current Iran-US ceasefire, Turkey said that any agreement with Iran should include Lebanon. More recently, Turkey delivered 360 tons of aid to displaced civilians through the port of Beirut.
More than one million people have been displaced from southern Lebanon and Beirut since the start of the war.
“Turkey will always stand by Lebanon, and its friendly people,” Turkish Ambassador Lütem said at the event. “Turkey has consistently supported Lebanon through its official institutions and non-governmental organizations.”
Source:
www.jpost.com
