Washington backs direct Israel-Lebanon negotiations while exposing Hezbollah’s attacks as political survival strategy”
A senior American official said talks between Israel and Lebanon are continuing according to the agreed timetable and warned that any collapse of the process would only benefit Hezbollah.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the official stressed that the only path to stable peace is through direct negotiations between the governments of Israel and Lebanon.
The official said Hezbollah chose to continue attacking Israel despite being given the opportunity to stop firing. He emphasized that Israel is acting within its right to self-defense and that Washington views the current confrontation as a battle between Israel and a terrorist organization.
According to the official, Hezbollah launched the conflict to preserve its political standing and continues firing to maintain the illusion of resistance while justifying its influence inside Lebanon.
Israel reportedly informed the United States in advance of its intention to expand operations in Lebanon. According to a Channel 12 report, Washington urged Israel to avoid strikes in Beirut and avoid bringing down buildings in the city.
At the same time, a senior Israeli official said approval exists for targeted eliminations in Beirut if a clear operational opportunity arises.
The message from Washington is direct: Lebanon’s future depends on state-to-state diplomacy, not Hezbollah’s weapons, intimidation or destructive war agenda.
