Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are to hold security talks at the Pentagon today, AFP reports, during which Beirut will demand Israel halt its attacks, which have intensified in recent days.

The development comes as the United States and Hezbollah’s backer Iran, are negotiating with Tehran, which insists the fighting in Lebanon must be included in any agreement ending the Middle East war.

Lebanon’s delegation includes six officers, headed by the army’s director of operations, Georges Rizkallah.

A Lebanese military source told AFP the delegation will “emphasise the need for a ceasefire, and will present the army’s plan for a state weapons monopoly and the extension of state authority across the country”.