The U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said “we have reached a point of no return” in ceasefire negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, adding Monday that talks are progressing positively, according to foreign media reports
“It is very important for an official to choose what he wants and move forward with it, especially if it is the only choice to end a painful and harsh situation like the one Lebanon is experiencing,” Issa told reporters Monday after meeting with Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, according to Israel’s Channel 7 news agency.
“I would like to commend the Lebanese negotiating team for its high level of professionalism and effectiveness. The members of the team speak clearly and frankly on the Lebanese file,” Issa added.
Issa also remarked on President Donald Trump’s request to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pull back on strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon after Iranian officials conditioned any ceasefire on a halting of Israeli operations in Lebanon.
“What happened yesterday was a political message,” Issa said, adding “in the United States, we decided that the confrontation should not expand further.”
Both sides publicly acceded to Trump’s request, with Netanyahu confirming that “the fire has been halted” Monday morning.
Netanyahu maintained that Israel would retain the right to launch strikes in Lebanon, including on capital Beirut, if the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah continued to launch missiles at northern Israel from Lebanon.
While Lebanon’s government agreed to become party to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in early June, leaders from Hezbollah publicly refused.
Despite Hezbollah’s obstinance, Lebanese officials continued to appeal to Israel for a diplomatic solution on a peace deal.
“We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you? If you are, let’s sit and talk,” Lebanese president Joseph Aoun said Monday during an interview with CNN.
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