The United States is attempting to broker a gradual reduction in hostilities between Israel and Lebanon after fresh diplomatic discussions involving senior leaders from both countries.
According to a U.S. official, Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate conversations with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding efforts to ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Under a proposal put forward by Washington, the first phase would require the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement to halt all attacks against Israel. In return, Israel would refrain from escalating military operations in Beirut, creating conditions for a broader reduction in violence.
The U.S. believes the proposal could open the door to a gradual de-escalation process and eventually lead to a more effective cessation of hostilities after weeks of renewed conflict.
President Aoun is said to have supported efforts to advance the proposal and secure an agreement between the parties. However, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly argued that Israel should take the first step by ending its military actions, while maintaining that Hezbollah would honour a ceasefire commitment.
The diplomatic push comes as fighting on the ground continues to intensify despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago.
Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that he had instructed Israeli forces to move deeper into Lebanese territory as part of ongoing operations against Hezbollah.
In the latest military advance, Israeli troops reportedly captured the historic 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and a strategically important ridge in southern Lebanon.
The development followed one of the heaviest barrages of Hezbollah rocket fire towards northern Israel since the April ceasefire agreement, prompting school closures and security restrictions in affected areas.
A U.S. official stressed that Washington does not believe Israel should be expected to tolerate continued attacks targeting its civilian population and views an immediate halt to Hezbollah strikes as a key element of any successful de-escalation effort.
As diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes, the situation remains highly volatile, with both military developments and political disagreements threatening efforts to restore stability along the border.
