Israel has intensified pressure on mediators and the Lebanese government, warning that the period until mid-May represents the last opportunity to secure a political agreement. A senior Israeli official said the government is allowing two more weeks for negotiations before considering further action.

If no breakthrough is reached, Israel is preparing to resume high-intensity military operations against Hezbollah. Officials in Jerusalem have signaled that patience is running out and that a return to broader fighting remains a real possibility.

At the same time, the administration of President Donald Trump is working behind the scenes to broker a diplomatic achievement, potentially through a direct meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. However, both sides remain skeptical about the feasibility of such a meeting given political sensitivities and threats from Hezbollah.

In a forceful speech, Aoun defended the idea of direct negotiations with Israel, stating that negotiations are not treason. He accused Hezbollah of dragging Lebanon into conflict to serve foreign interests.