Netanyahu says no Lebanon deal in place despite US talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Security Cabinet on Friday that no ceasefire agreement currently exists with Lebanon, stressing that proposed terms remain unacceptable to Hezbollah despite a joint statement issued by Washington, Beirut and Tel Aviv just one day prior. Speaking at the start of the cabinet session in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire "is not yet finalized" and emphasized that "from Israel's perspective, there is currently no agreement," citing the Lebanese group's opposition to US-brokered proposals.

Military options

He described US President Donald Trump as "a strategic partner of Israel," noting that continued communication between the parties is essential. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir told ministers the military is prepared to escalate operations if political leaders decide to abandon diplomacy. "If a ceasefire can be reached on terms acceptable to us, it is better that it happens today rather than a month later under the same conditions," Zamir said, according to Israel's official broadcasting authority KAN.

Terms of dispute

Israeli and American sources told KAN that proposed conditions include the demilitarization of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, the maintenance of an Israeli-controlled security zone, and guaranteed freedom of military action against what Tel Aviv describes as "immediate threats." Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the outcome of direct negotiations held in Washington, aligning with Netanyahu's assessment that no binding accord exists. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said the US would determine the timing and mechanism for implementing any truce, which could theoretically begin within 24 hours of approval.

Escalation on the ground

Israel has intensified military operations in recent days, claiming that Hezbollah is violating a ceasefire announced on April 17 and extended through early July. Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory — their deepest incursion since 2000 — and occupy areas held for decades alongside territories seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. According to Lebanese officials, more than 3,500 people have been killed and over 10,000 injured in Israeli attacks across Lebanon since March 2.