'Dialogue Only Way Forward': India Calls for Diplomacy As Israel's Lebanon Offensive Stalls US-Iran Talks

As the Israel-Lebanon truce hangs by a thread, India has urged dialogue and diplomacy. During the weekly media briefing on the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Lebanon and its wider regional implications on Tuesday, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been closely monitoring developments in the region. He added that New Delhi continues to convey this position consistently in its engagements with all concerned parties."We have been closely following the developments in the West Asia region and our point right from the very beginning has been that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward for achieving an early return of peace and stability," Jaiswal said.This comes after Iran suspended all negotiations and indirect

talks with the United States due to the intensification of Israel's military offensive in Lebanon. Tehran also threatened to completely block the Strait of Hormuz and "intensify other fronts", including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to semi-official Tasnim news agency.

What is happening between Israel and Lebanon?

The escalation happened after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces have "captured" Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon despite the ongoing ceasefire between the two sides and instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to further "expand the incursion" in Lebanon. "Last night, our heroic fighters captured the Beaufort castle. They proudly raised the flag of the State of Israel and the flag of the Golani Brigade there," Netanyahu said in a televised statement."I remind you that 44 years ago, this place was a symbol of a heroic battle by our fighters, but it was also a symbol of deep division among us. Today, we returned to Beaufort differently. We returned united, determined, and stronger than ever," he added.Netanyahu further stated that the capture marks a significant turn in Israel's military campaign, reflecting unity and determination among Israeli forces.Following this, Iranian Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf, who is also the head of the Iranian negotiation team, warned that if Israel's attacks continue, Iran will "not only halt the dialogue process" with the US but will also "stand firmly against them".US President Donald Trump then lashed out at Netanyahu during a heated telephone conversation on Monday, holding the Israeli leader responsible for generating global animosity towards his nation, Axios reported. According to a US official cited by Axios, Trump expressed immense frustration over what he perceived as a disproportionate military response to Hezbollah's strikes on Israel.(With agency inputs)