Lebanon seeks Western intervention, signals openness to talks with Israel - report

Lebanon’s government has appealed to US and European leaders to intervene as tensions with Israel escalate while signaling openness to previously taboo talks with Israel, officials familiar with the diplomatic effort said, according to a Washington Post (WP) report. Israeli officials have rejected the proposal, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Lebanese officials have launched a diplomatic effort spanning Beirut, Paris, and Washington in an attempt to secure an immediate ceasefire and prevent further escalation. The government is also seeking international support to strengthen the Lebanese army so it can take control of Hezbollah’s arsenal, officials said, according to the report.

As part of the effort, Lebanese authorities reportedly indicated they would be willing to pursue direct peace talks with Israel “under American sponsorship,” according to an adviser to President Joseph Aoun. The move reflects a shift in Lebanon’s approach as it attempts to address the growing security crisis.

According to the report, Cyprus has offered to host talks between Lebanon and Israel, according to one person familiar with the discussions. The proposal would involve negotiations held in the European Union member state as part of broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

However, Israel has rejected the proposal for now, two people familiar with the matter told the WP. One of the sources said the Israeli government believes the current moment should be used to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

The same source said Israel views Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks as a major security threat, noting that the group’s rocket fire in past conflicts has forced residents to flee communities in northern Israel. As a result, the military campaign in Lebanon could continue and “could outlast the conflict with Iran,” the WP reported the person saying.