Destruction in Lebanon (file photo)
The Lebanese government and the administration of Donald Trump have asked Israel to suspend attacks on Hezbollah ahead of direct Israeli-Lebanese talks next week, according to people familiar with the matter.Axios sources said the request was not for a formal ceasefire but rather as a “gesture” to allow talks to begin in a less hostile environment. The move comes as Israel’s attack on Lebanon remains a key point of tension in broader regional diplomacy involving the United States and Iran.
U.S. officials said they supported Lebanon’s request and urged Israel to consider de-escalating the situation. They insist that while Lebanon is not formally included in any of the ceasefire frameworks cited by Iran, reducing military activity could help create space for negotiations.However, Israeli officials said that a ceasefire has not yet been achieved. They said Israel was willing to reach a broader agreement with Lebanon but would not negotiate a ceasefire with Hezbollah.According to Axios sources, Lebanon has conveyed a proposal to Israel through U.S. mediators to scale back its strikes and limit operations to imminent threats, effectively restoring understandings related to the November 2024 ceasefire arrangement. The United States is said to support the idea and urge Israel to accept it. They further claimed that the request was being reviewed by Israel. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet made a decision, officials have said a brief tactical pause in airstrikes has not been ruled out.The developments come ahead of a U.S.-hosted meeting between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington next week, marking the first round of direct talks. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is also expected to visit Washington to discuss the next phase of negotiations with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
