Israeli and Lebanese representatives have commenced their fifth series of diplomatic discussions since April at the U.S. State Department in Washington, while combat between Israeli forces and Hezbollah persists despite a ceasefire declaration made Monday evening.
The diplomatic sessions are occurring while military exchanges continue and following statements from a high-ranking Hezbollah leader on Tuesday declaring the organization’s refusal to accept any limited ceasefire arrangement with Israel.
An unnamed Lebanese diplomatic source, speaking to The Associated Press under anonymity protocols, indicated that Beirut maintains its dedication to the diplomatic process regardless of current tensions and active conflict.
Lebanese officials are demanding Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanese soil and cease military strikes. Israeli authorities maintain their military actions are essential because Hezbollah has failed to disarm according to commitments made in a 2024 ceasefire accord.
The current disagreement centers on a reported American-supported framework requiring Hezbollah to stop attacks against northern Israel while Israel would avoid targeting Beirut’s southern neighborhoods.
Mahmoud Qomati, who serves as deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, stated the organization would decline such a proposal.
Based on reporting from Lebanon’s National News Agency, which referenced a written declaration from Qomati obtained by AFP, the Hezbollah representative indicated the group would reject the proposed framework and cautioned that Israeli operations against Beirut’s southern areas would prompt a more forceful retaliation.
Qomati warned that any Israeli “aggression against” Beirut’s southern suburbs could lead to “a deeper and stronger response” from Hezbollah.
These statements emerged while diplomatic initiatives in Washington continued seeking solutions to end the hostilities.
Qomati’s declaration also seemed to contradict earlier reports suggesting Hezbollah had agreed to a restricted arrangement specifically addressing attacks on northern Israel and the situation in Beirut’s southern districts.
Even as negotiations proceed, military confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah persist, with both parties disagreeing over necessary conditions for establishing a comprehensive ceasefire.
