Rubio Mediates New Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

Moscow (ANTARA) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the past 48 hours to push for a new ceasefire initiative between Lebanon and Israel. Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported, citing US officials, that the new Washington proposal calls for Hezbollah to halt attacks on Israel as the first step. In return, Israel would refrain from aggressive actions against Beirut. The first direct ambassador-level talks between Lebanon and Israel took place in Washington on 16 April. Following the negotiations, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement. However, despite the official announcement, Israel is reportedly still launching daily strikes on dozens of settlements in southern Lebanon and maintaining fire control over several border areas. In response, Lebanese Hezbollah continues military operations against Israeli forces.