Israel has refused to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah during its scheduled talks with Lebanese officials in Washington next week, amid ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors held late-night discussions to finalise arrangements for the meeting. Israel's ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, stated that the talks would mark the start of formal negotiations with the Lebanese government, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Iran has claimed that a two-week ceasefire agreed with Washington includes an end to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting in Lebanon continues to escalate.