Ankara: The US and Lebanon have formally requested that Israel “pause” its attacks on Lebanon prior to historic talks set to take place in Washington next week, according to a report published Friday. The direct discussions between Beirut and Tel Aviv are slated to commence on Tuesday at the State Department. These talks are happening amidst Iran’s claims that Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon breach a ceasefire agreement it had with the US, which aimed to halt a war that quickly spread throughout the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US has denied that Lebanon is included in the truce, although Iran and mediator Pakistan have insisted otherwise. Two anonymous sources informed the Axios news website that Lebanon has asked Israel to make a “gesture” by “pausing” its attacks before the talks begin. These attacks are reportedly targeting Hezbollah. The sources also mentioned that the US supports Lebanon’s request and has asked Israel to respond positively. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet made a decision on the matter.

“There is no ceasefire,” an anonymous Israeli official stated, as reported by Axios. Another Israeli source indicated to Axios that Netanyahu might eventually consent to what the news outlet described as ‘a short tactical pause on airstrikes.’