Israel says it will not negotiate ceasefire with Hezbollah

Israel will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah despite agreeing to talks on Lebanon in Washington, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter said.

He said Israel had agreed to begin formal peace negotiations with Lebanon under US auspices but rejected engaging with Hezbollah.

“Israel refused to discuss a ceasefire with the Hezbollah terrorist organisation,” Leiter said, according to The Times of Israel, adding the group remains “the main obstacle to peace.”

The remarks come as violence continues in Lebanon, with authorities reporting heavy casualties from recent Israeli strikes.