U.S. proposes new plan to ease Israel-Lebanon tensions amid fighting

U.S. proposes new plan to ease Israel-Lebanon tensions amid fighting
People clear the debris at the site of an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, 28 May, 2026.
Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with Lebanese President and Israeli Prime Minister on efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, Washington has proposed a plan aimed at achieving a gradual de-escalation of hostilities.

The U.S. has proposed that as a first step, the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group would stop all attacks on Israel and in return Israel would refrain from escalation in Beirut, the official said.

"This would create space for gradual de-escalation and an effective cessation of hostilities," according to the official. 

They added that Aoun tried to advance the proposal and secure an agreement. However, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who claimed to "guarantee" Hezbollah's commitment to a ceasefire, placed the burden on Israel to stop "shooting first."

Netanyahu had said on Sunday that he ordered troops to move further into Lebanon in the battle against Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire announced more than six weeks ago.

Israeli troops have seized the 900-year-old Beaufort Castle and a strategic ridge in southern Lebanon, according to the military.

An Israeli flag and a Golani Brigade flag fly at the Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, as seen from Israel, 31 May, 2026.
Reuters

The advance came a day after one of the heaviest Hezbollah barrages on northern Israel since the April ceasefire, leading to school closures and restrictions.

The U.S. official said that the U.S. did not expect Israel to absorb ongoing attacks on its civilians from Hezbollah.

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