Lebanon president says US talks aim to extend Israel ceasefire

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Thursday that the upcoming US-hosted talks between Lebanon and Israel are focused on extending the ceasefire between the two sides. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting in Beirut, Aoun said he briefed parliamentary leaders on contacts made with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to halt military escalation. The discussions center on ending the state of war, Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories, prisoner exchanges, Lebanese army deployment to international borders, and resolving Blue Line disputes.

Second round of talks in Washington

Washington is set to host a second round of ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon later Thursday. The first round, held on April 14 — marking the first such talks in 43 years — resulted in a temporary ceasefire and an agreement to continue direct negotiations. Aoun stressed that contacting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “was never on my agenda.” He said Thursday’s meeting aims to extend the 10-day ceasefire announced by the US, which expires Sunday and has been repeatedly violated by Israel.

Ceasefire violations and human toll

Aoun stated that Lebanon’s ambassador to the US, Nada Moawad, will demand a halt to home demolitions, attacks on civilians, places of worship, journalists, and medical and educational sectors. Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 2,483 people, wounded 7,707, and displaced more than 1.6 million, according to official figures. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire agreement.