Washington (TDI): Israel has said it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah during upcoming talks with Lebanon, even as both sides prepare for negotiations in Washington.
According to Israeli envoy Yechiel Leiter, the discussions, set to begin next week at the US State Department, will focus on broader peace arrangements with the Lebanese government rather than any truce with Hezbollah.
Leiter stated that Israel has agreed to enter formal negotiations with Lebanon despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
However, he made it clear that Israel would not engage in ceasefire talks involving Hezbollah, which it blames for continued attacks and sees as the main barrier to peace.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese government, along with the administration of Donald Trump, has reportedly urged Israel to consider a temporary pause in its military operations against Hezbollah ahead of the talks.
The request is aimed at creating a more conducive environment for dialogue when negotiations begin in Washington.
The development underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, where efforts to initiate diplomatic engagement are continuing alongside persistent conflict on the ground.
