Washington, D.C. — Efforts by the United States to secure a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah have stalled, even as Israel expands its military operations in Lebanon and reportedly seeks U.S. approval for large-scale airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the latest diplomatic initiative led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed to reduce tensions by encouraging Hezbollah to halt missile and drone attacks on Israel while Israel would refrain from escalating military action in Beirut.
The proposal received support from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who reportedly asked Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to persuade Hezbollah to stop its attacks. However, U.S. officials described Berri’s response as uncooperative, arguing that Israel should cease its military operations first.
The ceasefire push comes amid broader U.S. efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict and advance ongoing negotiations with Iran. Sources indicate that ending hostilities in Lebanon is a key component of a proposed U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding currently under discussion.
Despite several ceasefire announcements made in recent months by President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio, both Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly accused each other of violating the agreements, leaving the conflict unresolved.
Meanwhile, diplomatic and military talks continue. Israeli and Lebanese military representatives recently met at the Pentagon to discuss a potential ceasefire framework, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in southern Lebanon. Additional diplomatic discussions are expected to take place at the U.S. State Department later this week.
The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched missile and drone attacks against Israel following the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and a ground operation in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah expanded the scope and range of its attacks.
Israeli officials say the government is now seeking approval from Washington for more extensive strikes in Beirut. While President Trump has previously advocated for targeted and “surgical” operations, U.S. officials have signaled that Washington’s position could become more flexible if attacks on Israeli civilians continue.
Lebanese officials claim that neither Israel nor Hezbollah currently appears committed to a ceasefire, raising concerns that the conflict could further escalate and destabilize the region. They also allege that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards are encouraging Hezbollah to intensify attacks in order to strengthen Tehran’s leverage in ongoing negotiations with the United States.
About the Author
