U.S. Envoy Pushes for Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

A U.S. envoy urged Lebanon to unilaterally ceasefire with Israel to aid negotiations. The proposal, delivered by Amos Hochstein to PM Najib Mikati, faced rejection in Lebanon, where it could be perceived as surrender.

A U.S. envoy has recommended that Lebanon declare a unilateral ceasefire with Israel as a step towards facilitating negotiations to end a conflict that has persisted for over a year. This request, according to sources, was made by U.S. Lebanon Envoy Amos Hochstein to the country's caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati.

However, the idea of a unilateral ceasefire has been met with resistance in Lebanon, with senior political and diplomatic sources indicating it would likely be interpreted as a form of surrender, making the proposal unpopular.

Despite this hurdle, the U.S. continues its diplomatic efforts to find a resolution, though Lebanon's stance complicates the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)