Lebanon’s New Talk Offer Stalls as Israel Demands Action

Lebanon has tried to step forward with a fresh proposal for direct talks, hoping to end the fighting that began on March 2 when Hezbollah joined a larger regional war. President Joseph Aoun, who has been pushing for a calm, announced that his government is ready to negotiate with Israel and even hinted at normalizing relations. He has started forming a delegation that could take this message to the other side. The Lebanese government is in a tough spot. While it has recently banned Hezbollah from military activities, the group still controls powerful weapons and enjoys strong support among many Lebanese Shi’ite Muslims. Removing those arms is difficult, especially in a country still healing from a 15‑year civil war. Even after the army claimed it had full control over southern Lebanon, Hezbollah managed to rearm and set up new rocket sites.Israel’s response has been cautious. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel is open to dialogue but cannot stop the ongoing attacks from Lebanese territory. Ambassador Danny Danon told the UN that negotiations are pointless while rockets continue to fly into Israel’s north. The Israeli government is pressing Lebanon to act on its promises, not just say them. The United States has also been hesitant. Officials argue that Lebanon’s failure to curb Hezbollah last year has eroded its credibility, and they see the window for meaningful change as closing. Washington’s focus on the broader war with Iran leaves little room to support Lebanon’s efforts, according to sources familiar with U. S. policy. In short, Lebanon’s attempt to open a new chapter is stalled by its own internal challenges and the lack of confidence from Israel and the U. S. The country remains caught between wanting peace and dealing with a powerful armed group that threatens its stability.