Israel rejects Lebanon’s request for cessation in fighting to allow for talks, FT reports

March 10 (Reuters) - Israel has rejected diplomatic overtures by Lebanon to halt its escalating offensive against the Hezbollah militant group, demanding negotiations only take place “under fire,” the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing three people with knowledge of the matter.

The talks have not materialized because of disagreements over sequencing, with Beirut demanding there be a “cessation of fire” before any meeting takes place and the Israeli government wanting only to discuss the possibility of a cessation, the newspaper said.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.