Israel has rejected diplomatic overtures by Lebanon to halt its escalating offensive against the Hizbollah militant group, demanding that negotiations only take place “under fire”, said three people with knowledge of the matter.
The talks, mooted to be held in Cyprus, have not materialised because of disagreements over sequencing, with Beirut demanding there be a “cessation of fire” before any meeting takes place and the Israeli government wanting only to discuss the possibility of a cessation, two of the people added.
The Lebanese “are ready to talk to Israel, but under the condition of a cessation of fire. Not a ceasefire, but a cessation . . . so talks can get going in Cyprus,” said one of the people. “Israel has so far refused and says it will only negotiate ‘under fire’.”