Ceasefire Before Peace Talks: Lebanon Signals Openness To Truce Talks But Israel Insists On Ceasefire First
The discussions could begin within days and may take place in Paris or Cyprus, potentially involving direct, head-to-head negotiations. Image courtesy: RNA
Lebanon has signalled it is open to direct peace negotiations with Israel, but insists that a ceasefire must be implemented first. The development comes at a time when the Israel-Lebanon conflict is intensifying, with Israeli leaders warning of what could become the largest ground invasion of Lebanon since the 2006 war with Hezbollah.
Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri, a key political figure and leader of the Amal Movement, said Beirut is willing to engage diplomatically but made clear that an immediate ceasefire is a precondition for negotiations.
The talks, if they proceed, could reportedly begin within days, possibly in Paris or Cyprus, and may involve direct face-to-face negotiations between officials from both sides.
Israel-Lebanon peace talks: US, Israeli officials may lead negotiations
According to reports by Al Jazeera, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his close adviser Ron Dermer to lead Israel’s diplomatic outreach regarding Lebanon. On the American side, the negotiations could involve Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
There were also reports suggesting France had proposed a peace framework, which would include the disarmament of Hezbollah and Lebanon’s formal recognition of Israel as conditions for ending the war. However, the French Foreign Ministry denied that such a proposal had been formally put forward.
Escalation along Israel-Lebanon border
The diplomatic signals come even as fighting intensifies along the Israel–Lebanon border, where Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces have been engaged in heavy clashes. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Israeli airstrikes and artillery bombardments targeted multiple towns in southern Lebanon, including Mefdoun, Zawtar, Yahmar, Arnoun.
Air raids reportedly struck areas between Mefdoun and Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, while artillery shelling hit several nearby towns. Israeli troops also attempted to advance into the border town of Aita al-Shaab, where gunfire and shelling were heard during clashes.
In response, Hezbollah militants reportedly fired guided missiles at advancing Israeli forces, while another barrage of rockets was launched at Israeli troops near al-Khazzan Hill.
Conflict expands as Israel faces wider regional war
The situation in Lebanon is unfolding against the backdrop of a broader regional conflict involving Israel and Iran, raising fears of a wider West Asian war.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces are continuing operations targeting Iranian military capabilities, signalling Washington’s growing involvement in the conflict dynamics. Meanwhile, Iranian and regional media reported that Iraqi resistance groups claimed attacks on US military bases in West Asia, a US base in Iraq was reportedly on fire following a strike.
Iranian forces are also reported to have shot down four additional drones, bringing the total number of intercepted drones to 118.
The overlapping conflicts – Israel’s clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, hostilities involving Iran, and attacks on US assets in the region – have significantly heightened tensions across West Asia.
