Tel Aviv

The US and its allies in the Gulf have launched covert talks with Iran to defuse tensions in West Asia, amid a looming threat of retaliatory Israeli strikes on the Shi'ite nation. Israel's Channel 12 news reported that the US and Arab states are in talks with Tehran to reach a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts, including Gaza and Lebanon. According to the channel, Israel is not involved in the talks but senior Israeli officials have been informed. The report added Israel has not reacted to the initiative yet, without even making clear its position on the question of a ceasefire, especially in Gaza.

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Also read: Gaza war: Americans should never forget Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel, says Trump

“We are currently in a position of power, a ceasefire will be on our terms, including a [Hezbollah] withdrawal beyond the Litani [River] and the dismantling of all military Hezbollah sites in areas near the border,” a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying.

Hezbollah drops major condition for ceasefire

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Meanwhile, the militant group seems to have dropped a key demand for a ceasefire in Lebanon. Hezbollah has so far maintained it won't agree to a truce until peace is reached in the Gaza Strip. But on Tuesday (Oct 8), Naim Qassem, the deputy leader of Hezbollah, took a step backwards. He said he would support peace efforts by Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri.

“We support the political activity being led by Berri under the title of a ceasefire,” Qassem said. “If the enemy (Israel) continues its war, then the battlefield will decide.” Gaza was nowhere mentioned, signalling Hezbollah is not interested in tying its fate with Gaza.

IDF destroys major Hezbollah tunnel

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The Israeli Defence Forces said Tuesday that have destroyed a major Hezbollah tunnel that crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanon.

The Israeli military said the 20-meter-long tunnel never threatened any town or village in the Jewish country. IDF said Hezbollah started constructing the tunnel two years ago and it was immediately identified by Israeli forces.

(With inputs from agencies)