Lebanon proposes direct peace talks with Israel via Barrack — US and Israel both skeptical

The Lebanese government recently proposed, through the Trump administration, holding direct negotiations with Israel aimed at ending its war with Hezbollah and possibly reaching a peace agreement, five sources told Axios. Lebanon approached US envoy Tom Barrack — who worked on the Lebanon file last year — asking him to mediate with Israel. Beirut reportedly claimed some Hezbollah members were open to a deal and proposed holding direct ministerial talks with Israel in Cyprus. Barrack responded that Lebanon must 'stop with the bullshit' on disarming Hezbollah. 'If it's not real action about Hezbollah's weapons, there's no point,' a source told Axios. Jerusalem rebuffed the proposal, saying it was 'too late' and that Israel's military was currently focused on eliminating Hezbollah. Channel 12 reported Israel is still examining the offer. Lebanese Army chief Gen. Rodolphe Haykal has resisted deploying troops against Hezbollah during active fighting, despite the army's stated commitment to disarmament — prompting US pressure on Lebanese President Aoun to remove Haykal. Lebanese officials are increasingly frustrated that the Trump administration has largely ignored their outreach. 'There is no interest from the Trump administration to deal with Lebanon,' one source said.