Israel has declared it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, despite agreeing to begin peace negotiations with the Lebanese government. On 10/4, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter announced Tel Aviv's agreement to these talks, which are scheduled to commence on 14/4 in Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Leiter emphasized that Israel "refuses to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah" because "the group continues to attack Israel and is the primary obstacle to peace between the two nations."

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter in Jerusalem in 2/2025. *Photo: Flash90*

Israel launched extensive attacks on Lebanon days after initiating a large-scale operation against Iran. These actions were in response to strikes from the armed group Hezbollah, a close ally of Tehran.

According to AFP, without a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, negotiations will focus on Israel demanding "action" from the Lebanese government. Israel previously stated that the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran did not include Lebanon.

President Donald Trump urged Israel to reduce the intensity of its campaign against Lebanon to ensure the success of U.S.-Iran negotiations, scheduled for 11/4 in Pakistan.

However, in public statements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not indicated that Israel will decrease the intensity of its attacks on Lebanon, despite announcing that the country is pursuing direct negotiations between the two sides.

The Lebanese government reported that conflicts in recent weeks have resulted in over 1,950 fatalities. The deadliest Israeli strike alone caused over 350 deaths on 8/4, the first day of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)