Israel's UN ambassador warns of Iranian influence in Lebanon as U.S. plans talks with Iran

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations stated on Sunday that Iran's continued efforts to exert influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah are a warning sign for broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. Danny Danon said Israel will not remain sitting ducks in the face of attacks from the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. "We are continuing to talk with the Lebanese government.

And, at the same time, if we will be attacked by Hezbollah, the proxy of Iran, we will have to retaliate. We will not be like sitting ducks waiting for Hezbollah to shoot our citizens, our residents. We will defend ourselves," he said.

Danon expressed hope that the Lebanese government will take action against the Iranian-backed proxy group Hezbollah. He accused Iran of trying to sabotage ongoing Israel-Lebanon negotiations. U.S. diplomats led by Vice President JD Vance are set to participate in peace talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland.

Vance said on Saturday that he hopes to make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for mediating talks between Israel and Lebanon. Israel's goal is to see a Lebanese government and military free from Iranian proxies, Danon said.