Israel rejects Lebanon’s request for cessation in fighting to allow for talks, FT reports

WASHINGTON: Israel has rejected diplomatic overtures by Lebanon to halt its escalating offensive against the Hezbollah militant group, demanding negotiations only take place “under fire,” the Financial ⁠Times reported on ⁠Tuesday, citing three people with knowledge of the matter.
The talks have ⁠not materialized because of disagreements over sequencing, with Beirut demanding there be a “cessation of fire” before any meeting takes place and the Israeli government wanting ⁠only ⁠to discuss the possibility of a cessation, the newspaper said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.