The United States and Arab countries have begun secret negotiations with Iran to stop hostilities in the Middle East. This was reported by Israeli TV channel 12.
Israel is not participating in the negotiations, but senior Israeli officials have been briefed on the initiative.
It is not yet clear what consequences these actions may have on the situation in the Gaza Strip, which is one of the most difficult fronts. Israel intends to continue hostilities even after a potential hostage release agreement, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops in any agreement.
“We are now in a strong position, the ceasefire will be on our terms, including the retreat of Hezbollah across the Litani River and the dismantling of all Hezbollah military installations in areas near the border,” one Israeli official said.
Hezbollah representatives are no longer demanding a truce in the Gaza Strip as a condition for achieving a truce in Lebanon. The group's deputy leader, Naim Kassem, said they would continue to support Hamas and the Palestinians in their fight against Israel.
Two Hezbollah officials spoke about a truce in Lebanon without linking it to the Gaza Strip. The Lebanese official said Hezbollah had changed its position due to the mass displacement of people and the intensification of Israel's ground campaign.