The United States has delivered a blunt message to France: "No negotiations with Lebanon," according to French diplomatic sources—effectively closing the door on European mediation efforts even as Israeli military leaders signal they are preparing for an extended campaign that could last through the summer and beyond.
The American position was communicated to French officials in Washington this week as Paris sought to revive ceasefire discussions between Israel and Lebanese interlocutors. The categorical rejection represents a significant hardening of the US stance and suggests Washington has concluded that diplomatic engagement with Beirut is futile while Hezbollah operations continue.
A correspondent for Lebanon's Al Jadeed television reported from Washington that France "heard a final word from America that there will be no negotiations with Lebanon." While the sourcing relies on French diplomatic channels rather than direct US confirmation, the report aligns with observable American policy shifts over the past week.
The diplomatic blockade coincides with statements from Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who told troops this week that "the battle against Hezbollah has only just begun" and predicted that "with the end of the battle in Iran, Hezbollah will be left alone and isolated." The comments indicate Israeli military planning extends well beyond immediate tactical operations.
In this region, today's headline is yesterday's history repeating. The combination of American diplomatic obstruction and Israeli military determination recalls the early days of the 2006 Lebanon War, when the Bush administration blocked ceasefire efforts for 33 days to give Israel time to "finish the job"—a strategy that ultimately failed to achieve its objectives but devastated Lebanese infrastructure and killed over 1,000 civilians.





