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<p>A prominent Lebanese politician close to Hezbollah urged a new cease-fire in Lebanon, amid threatened Israeli strikes on the outskirts of Beirut.</p>
<p>The emissary between Hezbollah and the United States, Nabih Berri, told a publication that Hezbollah was open to a new real cease-fire and indicated that only the president could press Israel to accept one.</p>
<p>Later, the president stated on social media that he had spoken with the Israeli prime minister and suggested that neither side would attack the other at that time.</p>
<p>The Israeli prime minister then stated that if Hezbollah does not halt attacks on cities and civilians, Israel will strike terror targets in Beirut and continue operations in southern Lebanon.</p>
<p>The exchanges implied that combat could continue within Lebanon, with Hezbollah refraining from attacking Israeli territory and Israel avoiding strikes on Beirut.</p>
<p>The diplomacy comes as the truce between Hezbollah and Israel remains fragile, with both sides continuing attacks since the April agreement and escalating fighting in the past week.</p>
<p>Israeli forces have advanced deeper into Lebanon, while Hezbollah has pressed attacks into northern Israel, contributing to a rising casualty toll on both sides.</p>
<p>In a further escalation, Netanyahu announced attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompting thousands to flee toward central Beirut.</p>
<p>“No one can make a real cease-fire except for Trump,” said Berri, indicating Hezbollah’s openness to a cease-fire if pursued by the U.S. president.</p>
<p>The comments from Berri, who leads another Shiite party in Lebanon, suggest Hezbollah’s eagerness for a new truce but with possible independence from broader Iran-U.S. negotiations.</p>
<p>Lebanese and Israeli officials are preparing for the next U.S.-mediated talks in Washington, with a de-escalation proposal reportedly asking Hezbollah to halt attacks first, followed by a halt to Israeli expansion around Beirut.</p>
<p>The Lebanese Embassy in Washington indicated Hezbollah agreed to a reciprocal cessation of attacks under the proposal, though Israel’s position remained unclear.</p>
<p>Iran has sought to include Lebanon in a broader cease-fire framework with the United States, but Berri indicated Hezbollah could consider a cease-fire independent of Iran.</p>
<p>Hwaida Saad contributed reporting.</p>
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