Kuala Lampur, April 11 --  

WASHINGTON, April 11 - Israel said yesterday it will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah when it holds talks with Lebanon's government next week in Washington.

The Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors spoke to set up the talks that will open Tuesday at the State Department.

Israel "agreed to begin formal peace negotiations" with the Lebanese government, with which it has no diplomatic relations, said the Israeli ambassador, Yechiel Leiter.

"Israel refused to discuss a ceasefire with the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which continues to attack Israel and is the main obstacle to peace between the two countries," he said in a statement.

Israel launched massive strikes and a ground invasion of Lebanon a...