Lebanon pushes to extend ceasefire as talks with Israel loom

President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, said that diplomatic contacts are ongoing to extend the current ceasefire, as efforts continue to stabilize the situation along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

His remarks came a day ahead of a second round of talks scheduled in Washington between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors, AP reports.

In comments released by his office, Aoun said preparations are underway for negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, outlining key objectives for the prospective dialogue.

He stated that the aim of future talks is to “fully” halt Israeli attacks, secure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory, ensure the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, deploy Lebanese forces along the border, and initiate the reconstruction process.

Aoun added that international backing, including support pledged by US President Donald Trump and other countries, “provided us with an opportunity that we must not miss, as it may not come again.”

The latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah was paused by a 10-day ceasefire that came into effect on April 17.

By Vafa Guliyeva