"There has been a very significant reduction in attacks," said an Israeli source. An Israeli official stated that there is no ceasefire in Lebanon but added that there has been "a very significant reduction" in attacks, as well as limitations on the matter imposed by the political structure. Yesterday, Netanyahu announced that he had ordered the opening of direct negotiations with Lebanon, and today, in an unusual move, a phone call took place between the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, and the Lebanese ambassador to Washington, Nada Mawad. The call was also attended by the U.S. ambassador to Beirut, Michel Issa, and a senior official from the U.S. State Department. According to a source familiar with the details of the conversation, it was mostly technical in nature and pertained to preparations for a meeting on Tuesday. In the background of the discussion, Lebanon's demand for a ceasefire before starting negotiations with Israel still stands.