Israel Rejects Hezbollah Truce as Envoys Prepare for Landmark Peace Negotiations at State Department

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter tells Lebanon that Israel will not cease fighting Hezbollah even as formal peace talks begin Tuesday at the State Department.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 5:37 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Times of Israel

Direct Diplomatic Channels Open in Washington

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter held a historic first telephone conversation with the Lebanese Ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh-Moawad. The call, which included the participation of the American Ambassador to Lebanon, served as the preparatory step for formal peace negotiations scheduled to commence this coming Tuesday at the US State Department. This high level engagement marks the first direct diplomatic contact of its kind between the two neighboring nations, who have technically remained in a state of war since 1948.

Refusal of a Preliminary Ceasefire

Despite the move toward the negotiating table, Ambassador Leiter clarified that Israel is not prepared to halt its military campaign against Hezbollah. During the trilateral call, Leiter explicitly told his Lebanese counterpart that Israel would not discuss a truce with the militant organization while diplomatic talks with the Lebanese government proceed. This stance reflects a strategic decision by Jerusalem to maintain military pressure on the ground, even as it explores a potential political resolution to the conflict through official state channels in Washington.

Focus on Disarmament and Normalization

The upcoming negotiations at the State Department are expected to center on two primary objectives: the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of formal peace relations between Israel and Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously instructed his cabinet to pursue these talks as soon as possible, citing repeated requests from Beirut for direct dialogue. By focusing on the Lebanese Armed Forces as the sole legitimate military authority in the country, the negotiators hope to bypass the influence of non state actors that have historically dominated the border regions.