Rubio accused the Iran-backed militant group of ignoring repeated calls from the legitimate Government of Lebanon to cease its attacks and respect a ceasefire.
Instead, Hizballah has continued firing on Israeli positions and moving fighters and weapons into southern Lebanon, Rubio said, describing it as “a deliberate campaign to destabilize the country and maintain its power at the expense of the future of the Lebanese people.”
The Secretary of State contrasted Hizballah’s actions with those of the legitimate Lebanese government, which he said is working to deliver recovery, reconstruction, international assistance, and a stable future for its citizens with the full support of the United States.
“Hizballah, by contrast, is actively trying to drag Lebanon back into chaos and destruction,” Rubio said.
The United States stands firmly with the legitimate Government of Lebanon as it works to restore its authority and build a better future for all its people, he added.
“Hizballah’s threats of violence and overthrow will not be allowed to succeed,” Rubio said. “The era in which a terrorist group held an entire nation hostage is coming to an end.”