‘Gesture’ before talks: US, Lebanon ask Israel to stop attacks
Devastation in Lebanon (file photo)
The Lebanese government and Donald Trump’s administration have asked Israel to halt its attacks on Hezbollah ahead of direct Israel-Lebanon talks next week, according to sources familiar with the matter.Axios’ sources said the request is not for a formal ceasefire but for a “gesture” that would allow negotiations to begin in a less hostile environment. The move comes as Israeli attacks in Lebanon remain a major point of tension in broader regional diplomacy involving the US and Iran.
US officials said they were supporting the Lebanese request and urged Israel to consider de-escalating tensions. He says that although Lebanon was not formally included under any of the ceasefire frameworks cited by Iran, reducing military activity could help create space for negotiations.However, Israeli officials said there is no ceasefire at the moment. He said Israel was ready to reach a comprehensive agreement with Lebanon but would not negotiate a ceasefire with Hezbollah.According to Axios’ sources, Lebanon has proposed to Israel, through US mediators, to reduce attacks and limit operations to imminent threats, effectively returning to the understanding tied to the November 2024 ceasefire arrangement. It is said that America supports this idea and is pressurizing Israel to accept it. He further claimed that the Israeli side is reviewing the request. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet made a decision, officials have indicated that a brief tactical pause in air strikes has not been ruled out.The development comes ahead of a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors under US auspices in Washington next week, marking the first round of direct talks. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salaam is also expected to visit Washington for discussions with Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, which could shape the next phase of talks.