US ceasefire push to end Israel-Hezbollah war stalls as Tel Aviv ramps up offensive in Beirut: Report
A US-led ceasefire initiative between Israel and Hezbollah has stalled as Israel expands its ground offensive in Lebanon and seeks Washington’s approval for strikes in Beirut, according to reports. Lebanese officials say neither side wants a ceasefire, while Iran’s IRGC urges Hezbollah to escalate attacks to strengthen its bargaining position in US-Iran talks.
The latest US push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has stalled, as Tel Aviv intensifies its military operations in Lebanon and requests US approval for large-scale strikes in Beirut. Axios reported that Washington had previously discouraged attacks on Beirut but may now soften its stance, with a US official stating Israel cannot indefinitely absorb attacks on civilians by a terrorist group. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the past 48 hours to revive a ceasefire proposal. The plan involves Hezbollah halting missile and drone attacks on Israel in exchange for Tel Aviv avoiding escalation in Beirut. However, Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri, who has ties to Hezbollah, gave an evasive response, insisting Israel should stop firing first. Previous ceasefire attempts by Trump and Rubio over the past two months have failed, with both sides violating agreements. A Lebanese official confirmed that neither Hezbollah nor Israel currently supports a ceasefire, and the US has not taken strong measures to prevent Israel’s expanding ground offensive. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly urged Hezbollah to escalate attacks to gain leverage in US-Iran negotiations. The conflict escalated after Israel launched its broadest incursion into Lebanon in 25 years, coinciding with increased Hezbollah strikes on northern Israel. The stalled ceasefire efforts come as Israel deepens its military presence in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Hezbollah continues its offensive, complicating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the region.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.