Israel: No ceasefire with Hezbollah before talks with Lebanon
While a Lebanese official reiterated calls for a ceasefire ahead of upcoming contacts between Israel and Lebanon, an Israeli official stated, "There will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah before talks with Lebanon." Meanwhile, the US-based news site Axios claimed that the Lebanon-Israel talks would be held in Washington, D.C.
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Lebanon, which has been subjected to intense airstrikes by Israel following the ceasefire agreement reached between the US and Iran, is continuing its diplomatic efforts with the Tel Aviv administration.
An unnamed Lebanese official emphasized that they have been calling for a temporary ceasefire over the last 24 hours to allow for more comprehensive talks with Israel.
The official underscored that this ceasefire could be likened to the one reached between the US and Iran through Pakistan, stating that they aim to secure "the same type of agreement on a separate track."
The official also stated that Lebanon wants the US to assume the role of mediator and guarantor for any agreement that may be reached between the parties.
Israel: "There will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah"
Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement that he had instructed his cabinet to initiate direct talks with Lebanon, an Israeli official commented on Lebanon's ceasefire calls. While the official highlighted that the contacts are expected to begin in the coming days, they did not provide any details regarding the planned schedule. The Israeli official further stated, "There will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah before talks with Lebanon."
US press: "Talks will take place in Washington"
The US-based news site Axios claimed that the Israel-Lebanon contacts would be held next week at the US Department of State building in Washington, D.C. It was alleged that the talks would be attended by US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa on behalf of the US, Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad on behalf of Lebanon, and Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter on behalf of Israel.
Netanyahu's instruction for talks with Lebanon
While continuing its attacks on Lebanon, Netanyahu had announced that Israel would sit at the negotiating table with Lebanon "as soon as possible." The Israeli Prime Minister stated, "In line with Lebanon's repeated calls for opening direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible."