The United States has renewed calls for an immediate halt to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with a senior US official saying that the Iran-backed group must stop its attacks first to create conditions for de-escalation.
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According to the official, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently held discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon and has proposed plan to allow for “gradual de-escalation,” US official says. Here is more 👇 pic.twitter.com/5xIUIaOsOP
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The official said Washington had proposed a sequence under which Hezbollah would cease all attacks on Israel, while Israel would refrain from expanding military operations in Beirut. The proposal is part of broader diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict.
However, the US official expressed disappointment with the response from Nabih Berri, a key Lebanese political figure and ally of Hezbollah, describing it as unclear and unhelpful in advancing negotiations.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, maintains that Israel should stop its military actions first before any cessation of attacks by the group. The disagreement has complicated efforts to secure a ceasefire and reduce violence.
The comments came as Netanyahu reiterated his intention to continue military operations in Lebanon, raising concerns about a widening conflict. In response to the growing tensions, France has requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation.
Another round of talks involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives is scheduled to take place in Washington on June 2 and 3, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli military operations since early March have resulted in more than 3,400 deaths and displaced over one million people. International efforts continue to focus on preventing further civilian casualties and achieving a diplomatic solution to the crisis.