Israel and Lebanon Agree to Direct Talks but Israel Rejects Hezbollah Ceasefire

Israel and Lebanon agreed to hold direct talks in Washington next week to discuss a ceasefire and the start of negotiations between the neighbors.

“Israel says it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah when it meets Lebanese officials for talks in Washington next week, as Israeli forces launch new deadly attacks on southern Lebanon”

Al Jazeera

The talks will be conducted between Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad, with US ambassador Michel Issa mediating.

Al Jazeera

Israel said it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which it calls a terrorist organization and the main obstacle to peace.

The Lebanese government and the Trump administration have asked Israel for a pause in its attacks against Hezbollah before negotiations begin.

Hezbollah rejected direct negotiations, with lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah calling the move a blatant violation of the national pact, the constitution and Lebanese laws.

The question of whether Lebanon is covered by the US-Iran ceasefire remains a major point of contention.

Iran has insisted that Lebanon is included, while the United States and Israel have said it is not.

Al-Manar TV Lebanon

Trump said he had asked Netanyahu to scale back the ongoing bombardment in Lebanon.

Israel has carried out repeated attacks since the US-Iran ceasefire started on November 27, 2024, and has violated it hundreds of times.

Lebanon's health ministry said more than 1,500 people had been killed in the latest fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has rejected direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

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Axios

Hassan Fadlallah warned that the move exacerbates domestic divisions at a time when Lebanon most needs solidarity.

The Lebanese government has for years struggled to rein in Hezbollah but has been stepping up its efforts.

The talks would center on Israel seeking actions from the Lebanese government, which has no direct control over Hezbollah.

The situation on the ground remains tense, with Israel continuing its military campaign.