Will Netanyahu Halt Hezbollah Attacks? US, Lebanon Urge Israel To Pause Strikes Before Talks

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 07:32 IST

US and Lebanon urge Israel to pause strikes on Hezbollah before talks, Netanyahu weighs brief halt as US mediated negotiations with Lebanon and Iran intensify.

The Lebanese governments and the United States have asked Israel to halt its attacks on Hezbollah before direct talks begin next week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering the request and may agree to a short tactical pause in airstrikes, according to an Axios report citing sources.

Why does it matter?

The Israeli offensive in Lebanon has become a key issue in wider negotiations involving Iran. Tehran has claimed Israel is violating a ceasefire, while the US maintains that Lebanon is not covered by that agreement.

Despite this, Washington has urged de-escalation. At the same time, the US, Israel and Lebanon do not want Iran to influence decisions that could benefit Hezbollah.

Diplomatic efforts are moving forward. On Tuesday, Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington are expected to hold the first round of direct talks under the US State Department.

A preparatory call was already held on Friday with an adviser to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following that, Lebanon said discussions would focus on announcing a ceasefire. However, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said Israel is ready to work towards a peace agreement with Lebanon but will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Behind the scenes pressure

Lebanon has asked Israel, through US mediators, to make a gesture by pausing airstrikes ahead of the meeting. It also suggested returning to the terms of the November 2024 ceasefire, limiting strikes to immediate threats.

The US supports this request and is encouraging Israel to agree. Netanyahu is still reviewing the proposal. An Israeli official said clearly that there is “no ceasefire" at present.

Agreeing to a ceasefire could be politically difficult for Netanyahu. The Israeli government prefers to continue negotiations while military operations are ongoing.

Even so, there are indications that a brief pause could be considered as part of the diplomatic process.

Hezbollah’s role 

Hezbollah remains a central player in the conflict. The group continues to launch attacks on Israel, while Israeli forces carry out strikes across Lebanon, including Beirut and the south.

Fighting resumed in March after tensions linked to Iran escalated. Both sides have continued exchanging fire despite efforts to calm the situation. Hezbollah is a key ally of Iran and a major force on Israel’s northern border, making it central to any ceasefire or escalation.

What to watch?

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is expected to visit Washington next week for talks with Rubio. This will be the first such visit since the current US administration took office.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance has travelled to Pakistan to work on negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme and to try to end the ongoing conflict.

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