Israel rejects Lebanon's request for cessation in fighting to allow for talks: Report

Israel has rejected diplomatic overtures by Lebanon to halt its escalating offensive against the Hezbollah ‌militant ⁠group, ⁠demanding negotiations only take place "under fire," the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing three people with knowledge ⁠of the ‌matter.

The talks have not ⁠materialized because of disagreements over sequencing, with Beirut demanding there be a "cessation of fire" before any meeting takes place and ‌the Israeli government wanting only to discuss the ⁠possibility of a cessation, the newspaper said.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.