Issa meets Aoun, Berri ahead of third round of Israeli-Lebanese talks

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation amid ongoing Israeli-Lebanese talks and increased Israeli military actions. The meeting, held ahead of the third round of U.S.-mediated talks, focused on Lebanon's demands for Israel to adhere to a ceasefire and cease its destructive operations in southern border villages.

President Aoun specifically called on Ambassador Issa to exert pressure on Israel to implement the April 17 ceasefire, halt its attacks, and put an end to the demolition of homes. This plea comes as Israel has intensified its strikes in recent days, reportedly operating behind an Israeli-declared "yellow line" approximately 10 kilometers north of the Lebanese border. These actions have been met with responses from Hezbollah, which has targeted Israeli troops primarily with attack drones.

Following his meeting with President Aoun, Ambassador Issa also met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key Hezbollah ally. The discussions between Issa and Berri covered the latest developments in Lebanon and the broader regional context. The situation underscores the fragile security environment in southern Lebanon and the persistent challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

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Aoun urged Issa to pressure Israel to implement a ceasefire reached on April 17, halt attacks, and stop the demolition and bulldozing of homes in southern border villages.