WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – Israel’s ambassador to the United States on Sunday declined to confirm or deny reports that Israel and the U.S. agreed to scale back airstrikes in Lebanon ahead of direct diplomatic talks this week.

Dr. Michael Leiter, appearing on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” said military matters are not discussed publicly on Sunday morning television.

“Operational issues aren’t discussed on Sunday morning, on television,” Leiter told host Margaret Brennan.

He added that Israel is coordinating closely with the Trump administration. “What we discussed is that we’re going to be in tandem with the president’s efforts in the Gulf and we support the president’s efforts,” Leiter said.

The comments come as the U.S. prepares to host the first formal direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington on Tuesday. The negotiations, mediated by the State Department, follow an initial phone call between the ambassadors last week.

Israel has emphasized it will pursue broader peace negotiations with Lebanon but will not negotiate a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which it blames for ongoing attacks and as the primary obstacle to any agreement.

Leiter has repeatedly signaled Israel’s interest in long-term peace with Lebanon if the Iran-backed terror group is sidelined.

The diplomatic push occurs amid continued Israeli operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and fragile regional dynamics following U.S.-Iran tensions.

Leiter, whose full name is Yechiel Leiter, has been a key voice in U.S.-Israel relations throughout the conflict.