Lebanon has announced its preparation to participate in ceasefire negotiations in the war between Israel and Hezbollah in the United States next week, while Israel has clearly stated it will not hold talks with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese government revealed it is preparing to engage in negotiations with Israel in the United States next week to discuss a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Israel has firmly confirmed it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, even though it will participate in talks with the Lebanese government.
A statement from the office of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun indicated that both parties have agreed to hold their first meeting this Tuesday at the US State Department in Washington.
The discussions will cover key topics including
Previously, there was a first phone discussion involving the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the US, along with the US ambassador to Lebanon. Lebanese government sources disclosed that Beirut seeks a ceasefire before formal negotiations with Israel begin.
President Aoun has expressed readiness for direct talks several times since Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel on 2 March in support of Iran, which prompted Israel to launch major air and ground counterattacks.
However, despite joining the negotiation table, Israel has clearly stated it will not engage in talks with Hezbollah.
Yekiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the US, stated that Israel has agreed to start official peace talks with the Lebanese government but emphasized that Israel refuses to negotiate a ceasefire with the terrorist organization Hezbollah, which continues to attack Israel and remains a major obstacle to peace.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticized the Lebanese government for conceding to Israel and affirmed that resistance will continue until the last breath. Hezbollah continues to reject direct negotiations and demands Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanon.
The latest situation on the ground remains intense. Lebanese authorities report over 1,950 deaths after weeks of fighting, including 357 fatalities from Israel's major attack last Wednesday alone.
The Israeli military claims to have killed over 180 Hezbollah fighters in one day, destroyed more than 4,300 bases, and killed a total of over 1,400 fighters since the war began.
Western diplomatic sources revealed there is heavy diplomatic pressure, especially from the United States, Israel's main ally, to bring Israel into negotiations and prevent another attack on Beirut after the "Black Wednesday" incident. Reports confirm Lebanon’s international airport and key hospitals have been assured they will not be targeted.
. Source:channelnewsasia
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