Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on US President Donald Trump to limit ongoing negotiations with Lebanon to a two- to three-week window ending in mid-May, according to reports by Channel 12. The request came during a phone call late Wednesday as regional tensions continue to escalate.
Officials push for timeline as security concerns grow
Israeli officials argue that continued attacks by Hezbollah against Israeli forces and northern communities are weakening prospects for a diplomatic agreement. Consequently, Jerusalem has warned Washington that failure to achieve results within the proposed timeframe could prompt Israel to pursue expanded military operations.
Meanwhile, Israel has conveyed that it may seek US approval to implement a broader strategy if negotiations stall. At the same time, the government has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to maintain restraint, particularly avoiding strikes north of the Litani River unless special authorization is granted.
US urges limited military response
In response, Trump has urged Netanyahu to restrict operations to targeted or “surgical” strikes, aiming to prevent further escalation. However, Israeli officials caution that the current defensive posture allows Hezbollah to regroup and maintain operational capabilities.
During a recent visit to southern Lebanon, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said forces are acting in line with government directives while responding to ongoing threats. Additionally, officials have urged the United States to pressure Lebanon to curb Hezbollah’s presence beyond the established security buffer zone.
As near-daily exchanges of fire continue south of the Litani River, the situation remains volatile. Therefore, the coming weeks may prove critical in determining whether diplomacy succeeds or military escalation intensifies.
