Beirut (TDI): The United States has called for a direct meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions continue to rise despite an ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon.
The US Embassy in Beirut said Lebanon is facing a “historic opportunity” to assert full sovereignty and stabilise its borders, urging both sides to move towards direct negotiations facilitated by US President Donald Trump. It suggested that a leaders’ meeting could help secure guarantees on territorial integrity, reconstruction support, and restoration of Lebanese state authority.
The appeal comes as Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 17 people, including women and children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The Israeli military also confirmed casualties on its side during continued exchanges of fire.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that began in mid-April, Israel has continued strikes in southern Lebanon and maintains a military presence near the border, operating within a designated “Yellow Line” zone inside Lebanese territory.
President Aoun has strongly criticized the ongoing attacks, saying Israel must fully comply with the ceasefire before any meaningful negotiations can take place. He also said Lebanon is awaiting US coordination to set a date for direct talks.
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The proposed diplomatic track has sparked political divisions inside Lebanon. Hezbollah has rejected direct negotiations with Israel and opposes efforts to disarm it, deepening internal disagreement over the country’s approach.
The US Embassy said Lebanon must act decisively, stating that “the time for hesitation is over” and describing the moment as an opportunity for Lebanon to secure long-term stability under international guarantees.
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On the ground, Israeli airstrikes reportedly continued across southern Lebanon, while evacuation warnings were issued for multiple villages. In response, Hezbollah said it had carried out several attacks targeting Israeli military positions along the border.
