A senior US official on Saturday urged Lebanon to pursue direct peace talks with Israel, amid rising concern over renewed Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions nearly a year after the truce.
Despite the November 2024 ceasefire, Israeli forces remain in five areas of southern Lebanon, continuing regular air raids.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of escalating attacks instead of responding positively to Beirut’s offer for dialogue.
While indirect talks have taken place, US envoy Tom Barrack said direct negotiations could be the key to reducing tensions, though he admitted Lebanese leaders are “understandably cautious.”
Hezbollah, though militarily strained by the conflict, retains strong financial and weapons networks. Barrack added that Washington would pressure Israel “to act reasonably” if Lebanon agreed to direct talks.
The US hopes Lebanon might mirror Syria’s efforts to pursue a security accord with Israel.
