Israel is stepping up its pressure on international mediators and the Lebanese government, warning that the coming weeks represent a critical deadline to secure a political arrangement before the current ceasefire expires in mid-May.

Officials in Jerusalem are emphasizing that the remaining time until that date constitutes what they describe as a final chance to reach an agreement. Beyond that point, patience is expected to run out.

A senior Israeli official told Kan News, “We cannot wait forever. We are giving two more weeks for negotiations, and that’s it.”

If talks fail to produce results, Israel is preparing for a renewed escalation, including a return to large-scale military operations targeting the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

At the same time, the Trump administration is actively engaged in quiet diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a symbolic breakthrough. One idea under consideration is arranging a direct meeting between Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, which U.S. officials hope could signal progress.

However, both Israeli and Lebanese sources are expressing doubt that such a meeting can take place under current conditions, citing internal political pressures in Lebanon and ongoing threats from Hezbollah.

In a notable development, President Aoun delivered a forceful speech on Monday in which he publicly backed the idea of engaging in direct talks with Israel.

“Negotiations are not treason,” Aoun declared, and pointed an accusing finger directly at Hezbollah: “The real treason is that of those who drag the country into war in order to fulfill foreign interests.”

Addressing critics within Lebanon, Aoun insisted that any meaningful diplomatic effort must begin with a ceasefire, while also taking aim at those opposing negotiations.

“When you went to war, did you ask for sweeping approval from the Lebanese people?”

{Matzav.com}