Israel Agrees To Lebanon Talks But Rejects Ceasefire With Hezbollah

Israel and Lebanon agreed to hold direct talks at the U.S. State Department in Washington on Tuesday.

Israel's ambassador confirmed that Israel agreed to begin formal peace negotiations with Lebanon.

Aaj English TV

Israel explicitly ruled out any discussion involving Hezbollah.

Lebanese lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said the group rejects direct negotiations.

The talks come amid continued Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.

Israel's decision to exclude Hezbollah from the talks has been the central sticking point.

Netanyahu vowed to continue striking Hezbollah even as he agreed to start talks.

Al Jazeera

Iran insisted that Lebanon was covered by the ceasefire, while the US and Israel said it was not.

Pakistan said the halt included Lebanon, but Trump contradicted that.

The Lebanese health ministry reported at least 357 killed in the deadliest day since the war began.

The talks were precipitated by intense international pressure after the US and Iran reached a ceasefire.

“Israel confirms talks with Lebanon in Washington and rejects discussing a ceasefire”

Anadolu Ajansı

Trump asked Netanyahu to ease attacks on Hezbollah because Iran insisted Israel stop attacking Lebanon.

European leaders urged Israel to stop its attacks.

The IMF announced it would downgrade its global growth outlook because of the war.

Fighting in Lebanon showed no sign of easing as Israel carried out strikes on Saturday.

Lebanese authorities say the fighting has killed close to 2,000 people in recent weeks.

More than a million people have been displaced.

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

The World Food Programme warned of a food security crisis.

Rescue teams continued to recover bodies in Beirut.

Families buried some of the dead amid rubble-strewn streets.

The Lebanese government has no direct control over Hezbollah.

“Lebanon and Israel officials to meet in US on Tuesday Israel and Lebanon's ambassadors to the US have agreed in a first phone call to meet in Washington on Tuesday to seek an announcement on a ceasefire and a date to begin direct negotiations”

BBC

Israel insists the talks aim to disarm Hezbollah and reach a peace agreement.

BBC

Hezbollah has rejected direct talks unless a ceasefire is in place.

The exclusion of Hezbollah threatens to scupper the broader deal.

Iran's parliament speaker warned of explicit costs and strong responses.