WASHINGTON: The United States has proposed a phased de-escalation plan aimed at reducing tensions between Israel and Lebanon amid ongoing cross-border hostilities, according to a US official.
The proposal, discussed in separate calls between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for an initial halt to attacks by Hezbollah in exchange for Israel refraining from escalation in Beirut.
The plan is intended to create space for a gradual reduction in hostilities and support efforts toward a broader ceasefire framework. The US official said Lebanon’s leadership has shown willingness to engage with the proposal, while noting differing positions among Lebanese political actors.
Israel has continued military operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah maintains that Israeli forces must first stop their actions. The United States has stressed that continued attacks on civilians are unacceptable and has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by all sides.
Further diplomatic discussions between Israeli and Lebanese representatives are expected to take place in Washington in the coming days.
