Israeli ambassador warns Iran's grip on Lebanon is a 'warning sign' for Middle East peace

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations warned 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, vowing that Israel will not remain "sitting ducks" in the face of attacks from the Iran-backed terror group.

"It shows us that Iran, they actually still have interest in the region, they still want to have control over Lebanon and to pose a threat against Israel," Danny Danon told "Fox News Sunday."

Danon said Iran's continued involvement in Lebanon raises questions about Tehran's intentions as diplomatic efforts continue, arguing that the regime is seeking to maintain influence through proxies despite ongoing negotiations aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

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"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 be courageous enough to take action against the Iranian-backed proxy group, and he accused Iran of trying to "sabotage" ongoing Israel-Lebanon negotiations.

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The development comes as U.S. diplomats, led by Vice President JD Vance, are set to participate in peace talks with Iranian officials in Switzerland. 

Vance, speaking to reporters Saturday, said he hopes to "make progress" on the Lebanon ceasefire issue.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog told Fox News on Sunday that any diplomatic solution must include the disarmament of Hezbollah, calling it "the whole crux of the strategic and tactical debate that's going on around Lebanon these days."

Danon thanked U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for mediating talks between Israel and Lebanon, adding that Israel's goal is to see a Lebanese government and military free from Iranian proxies.