Lebanon, US ask Israel to pause attacks ahead of Washington talks
Lebanon and the United States have formally requested that Israel halt its strikes on Lebanese territory as a “gesture” before direct negotiations begin in Washington next week, Axios reported. The US supports Beirut’s request, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet decided, and an Israeli official insisted “there is no ceasefire.”
The United States and Lebanon have jointly asked Israel to pause its attacks on Lebanese soil ahead of historic direct talks scheduled for Tuesday at the State Department, according to an Axios report published Friday. The request comes as Iran maintains that Israel’s continued strikes on Lebanon violate the two‑week ceasefire it agreed with the US – a position Washington denies, but which Tehran and mediator Pakistan insist is part of the deal.
‘Gesture’ Before Talks
Two anonymous sources told Axios that Beirut asked Israel to make a “gesture” before negotiations begin, and to “pause” its military operations, which Israel says are focused on Hezbollah. Washington supports Lebanon’s request and has asked Israel to respond positively. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to make a decision, and an anonymous Israeli official told Axios: “There is no ceasefire.” A second Israeli source suggested Netanyahu might ultimately agree to a “short tactical pause on airstrikes.”
Türkiye’s Position
Türkiye has repeatedly condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and called for an immediate halt to civilian bloodshed. Ankara views the upcoming Washington talks as a critical opportunity to stabilise the region, but has warned that continued Israeli strikes undermine trust and the fragile ceasefire framework. The direct Israel‑Lebanon negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of parallel US‑Iran talks in Islamabad, both aimed at ending a conflict that has spread across the Middle East since 28 February.
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