Some of the latest secret U.S. cables released by WikiLeaks say Saudi Arabia proposed deploying an Arab military force backed by the U.N., U.S. and NATO to crush Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.
According to the cables, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal said in May 2008 that what he called a "security response" was needed to prevent the militant group - and its patron, Iran - from taking power in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
The exchange between al-Faisal and U.S. diplomat David Satterfield took place days after Hezbollah had briefly seized control of large sections of Beruit during fighting with pro-government supporters.
Al-Faisal told Satterfield that only the Lebanese prime minister, Jordan, Egypt and the Arab League were aware of the plan.
The U.S. responded by questioning the political and military feasibility of the plan.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
