Contacts underway to halt Israeli escalation before Washington talks

A senior Lebanese source confirmed that diplomatic efforts are actively underway to halt Israel’s ongoing military escalation in Lebanon, just before a third round of Washington-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials.

Truce guarantees under discussion

“There are demands for truce guarantees, and the issue is being discussed among the relevant parties,” the source told Anadolu, expressing hope that “things will proceed well, despite the ongoing field escalation.” The comments come as Israel continues to violate the ceasefire announced on April 17, which is set to last until May 17. On Wednesday alone, Israel carried out 64 attacks across Lebanon, including airstrikes, artillery shelling, and sweeping operations, killing at least 15 people, including two children, and wounding several others.

Two rounds of talks already held

Lebanon and Israel have held two rounds of talks in Washington on April 14 and 23 as a prelude to potential peace negotiations. Since March 2, Israel has been conducting an expanded offensive on Lebanon, killing 2,896 people, injuring 8,824, and displacing more than 1.6 million, according to official Lebanese figures. Türkiye has repeatedly condemned Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and called on the international community to enforce the ceasefire and protect civilian populations.