A top US envoy has called on Lebanon to begin direct negotiations with Israel, as escalating Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions threaten to unravel a fragile truce nearing its first anniversary.
Israel continues to occupy five zones in southern Lebanon despite the November 2024 ceasefire, launching regular strikes.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of “answering peace with aggression” after its response to Lebanon’s dialogue proposal.
US diplomat Tom Barrack said direct talks were essential to lowering tensions but acknowledged Beirut’s hesitation due to political sensitivities.
He noted that Hezbollah remains financially strong and armed despite battlefield losses. Barrack emphasized that Washington would back such efforts, even by pressing Israel “to show restraint.”
The Biden administration is quietly encouraging Lebanon to emulate Syria’s ongoing security dialogue with Israel.
