Lebanon, US ask Israel to 'pause' attacks ahead of Washington talks: Report

The US and Lebanon have formally asked Israel to "pause" attacks on its northern neighbor ahead of historic talks scheduled next week in Washington, according to a report published Friday.

The direct talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv are scheduled to begin Tuesday at the State Department, and come as Iran maintains that Israel's continued attacks on Lebanon violate a ceasefire it struck with the US that was intended to bring a halt to a war that rapidly spread across the region.

The US has denied that Lebanon is covered by the truce, though Iran and mediator Pakistan have emphasized that it is covered.

Two anonymous sources told the Axios news website that Lebanon asked Israel to make a "gesture" before the talks begin, and "pause" its attacks, which Israel says are focused on Hezbollah.

The sources said the US is supportive of Lebanon's request and has asked Israel to respond positively. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet, however, to make a decision.

"There is no ceasefire," an anonymous Israeli official said, according to Axios.

A second Israeli source told Axios that Netanyahu may ultimately agree to what the news outlet termed “a short tactical pause on airstrikes.”