Netanyahu Says No Lebanon Deal Exists as Ceasefire Talks Collapse
Netanyahu — who faces an International Criminal Court warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip — delivered the remarks at the opening of an Israeli Security Cabinet session, in which he insisted a ceasefire with Lebanon "is not yet finalized," stressing that "from Israel's perspective, there is currently no agreement," citing Hezbollah's rejection of the proposed terms.
He reiterated the point in unambiguous terms.
"The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has not been fully formulated and is not yet complete," Netanyahu said.
"Hezbollah opposes it, and therefore, from Israel's perspective, there is no current agreement," the Israeli premier added.
Netanyahu acknowledged that President Donald Trump remains "a strategic partner of Israel," noting that this relationship requires sustained dialogue and continued communication between all parties involved.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir delivered a pointed message to cabinet ministers, making clear that the military stands ready for a broader confrontation should the political leadership authorize one.
"If a ceasefire can be reached on terms acceptable to us, it is better that it happens today rather than a month later under the same conditions," Zamir was quoted as saying, adding that "the army is also prepared to expand the fighting if that is decided upon."
Israeli and American sources told Israeli media that Tel Aviv's proposed conditions include the full demilitarization of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, the preservation of an Israeli-controlled security zone, and guaranteed freedom of military action against what Israel characterizes as "immediate threats."
The developments mark a sharp reversal from optimism generated just 24 hours earlier. A joint Lebanese-U.S.-Israeli statement released Thursday announced that Beirut and Tel Aviv had reached an understanding during Washington talks to implement a ceasefire based on a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks and the withdrawal of its forces from south of the Litani River. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had indicated the U.S. would determine the timing and mechanism for the truce, which he said could take effect within 24 hours of formal approval.
That momentum was swiftly undermined when Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the outcome of the direct Lebanon-Israel negotiations outright.
The diplomatic impasse unfolds against a backdrop of relentless violence. Israel has ramped up military operations in Lebanon in recent days, alleging Hezbollah violations of a ceasefire announced April 17 and extended through early July. Israel, for its part, conducts daily strikes involving lethal bombardment and large-scale demolition of civilian homes, while Hezbollah retaliates with rockets and drone attacks targeting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Israel currently occupies swaths of southern Lebanese territory — some held for decades, others seized during the 2023–2024 conflict. During the present offensive, Israeli forces have pushed more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory, their deepest incursion since 2000.
The human toll has been devastating. More than 3,500 people have been killed and upward of 10,000 wounded in Israeli strikes across Lebanon since March 2, according to Lebanese officials.
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