JERUSALEM, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Israel views the extension of the current ceasefire through mid-May as the final window for reaching a permanent agreement with Lebanon, state-owned Kan TV reported Tuesday, citing Israeli officials.
A government source told the broadcaster that Israel has agreed to continue talks for two more weeks but intends to escalate military operations targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon if no permanent deal is reached.
The White House is seeking to arrange a summit between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, though officials from both sides expressed skepticism about the meeting's feasibility, according to the report.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel would continue its attacks despite the talks and the ceasefire. In a video statement after the Israeli military destroyed Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon, he said troops would remain in what Israel describes as a "security zone" inside Lebanon.
Two ambassador-level meetings have been held in Washington as Israeli troops remain deployed across southern Lebanon. Israel has carried out daily strikes in Lebanon, while Hezbollah has attacked Israeli forces with drones and gunfire.
Israel and Hezbollah resumed fighting in early March amid the war with Iran. A 10-day ceasefire that took effect last week was extended on April 23 for an additional three weeks. ■
