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  "path": "/partner/lebanon-pm-condemns-israeli-escalation-and-defends-direct-negotiations-with-israel",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-30T17:07:45.000Z",
  "site": "https://nukta.com",
  "tags": [
    "Nawaf Salam",
    "Israeli escalation"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nLebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denounced what he called a dangerous and unprecedented Israeli escalation in the south on Saturday, urging an immediate ceasefire and accusing Israel of pursuing collective punishment.\n\nIn a televised address, Salam also defended his government's direct negotiations with Israel, which Iran-backed Hezbollah opposes, calling them the least costly path for Lebanon.\n\nThe statement came a day after military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington.\n\n### What did Lebanon's PM say about Israel's military campaign?\n\nSalam accused Israel of destroying towns and villages, forcing residents into exile, and implementing a scorched-earth policy that would bring neither security nor stability.\n\n###\n\nHe called for stepped-up political and diplomatic efforts to achieve a swift and real ceasefire. Israel's military had issued new evacuation warnings for south Lebanon villages on the same day as his address.\n\n### Why is Lebanon negotiating directly with Israel despite Hezbollah's opposition?\n\nSalam acknowledged that the outcome of direct negotiations with Israel was not guaranteed but argued they represented the least costly option available to Lebanon.\n\nHezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, opposes the talks. Salam's government has pressed ahead regardless, framing the diplomatic track as a necessary alternative to continued military escalation.\n\n### What has come out of the Washington talks so far?\n\nMilitary delegations from Lebanon and Israel held security talks at the Pentagon on Friday, described as a landmark by both sides. A US statement after the talks made no mention of a ceasefire.\n\nA fourth round of US-brokered negotiations is scheduled for early next week, as Israel has continued to intensify air and ground operations against Hezbollah.\n\nA truce officially took effect on April 17 but has never been observed, with both sides accusing the other of violations.\n\nIsrael has recently expanded its operations in southern Lebanon, declaring large areas south of the Zahrani River combat zones and ordering residents to evacuate.\n\nThe escalation has drawn sharp condemnation from Beirut even as diplomatic contacts continue.",
  "title": "Lebanon PM condemns Israeli escalation and defends direct negotiations with Israel"
}