Israel has set a two-week deadline for reaching an agreement with Lebanon in US-mediated negotiations, warning of renewed military escalation if talks fail. The move comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to sustain a fragile ceasefire and prevent further regional conflict.
According to Israeli media, officials have given the negotiations a limited timeframe to produce a substantive deal. They said Israel is seeking a clear and enforceable agreement within the set period. The current ceasefire arrangement has been extended until mid-May.
Read more: Hezbollah rules out Israel negotiations
An unnamed Israeli official said the country cannot wait indefinitely for progress in the talks. The official warned that failure to achieve meaningful results could trigger renewed military operations. Israeli assessments reportedly include potential escalation in southern Lebanon.
The United States is reportedly pushing for a direct summit between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. However, officials on both sides remain skeptical about the feasibility of such a high-level meeting within the deadline.
Read more: Israel says Lebanon talks show few disputes
According to Lebanese official figures, ongoing conflict since March has caused thousands of casualties and widespread displacement. More than 1.6 million people have been displaced, highlighting the humanitarian impact of continued instability in the region.