Israel to hold direct talks with Lebanon, Netanyahu says

Initiative aims to address Hezbollah’s disarmament and peace relations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his administration to launch direct discussions with Lebanon, according to a statement released on Thursday. The initiative targets the disarming of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group active in both political and military roles within Lebanon. A U.S. State Department representative confirmed plans for a meeting next week, focusing on “ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Lebanon.”

“There is no ceasefire in Lebanon,” Netanyahu asserted during a speech to northern Israel residents, countering calls from Lebanese officials for a pause in hostilities before talks commence.

The recent escalation in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel followed the group’s rocket attacks into Israeli territory, retaliating for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in the war’s early stages. This has intensified the pressure on the fragile ceasefire agreement, which initially sparked confusion over Lebanon’s inclusion. Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators claimed Lebanon was part of the deal, while U.S. and Israeli representatives clarified it was not.

Lebanon’s government has restricted Hezbollah’s military operations since early March, yet the group continues its activities. On Thursday, the cabinet ordered security forces to confine weapons in Beirut to state institutions, emphasizing the restoration of state control over the region. “The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate,” said Prime Minister Nawaf Salam following a cabinet session.

Netanyahu’s office highlighted its appreciation for the Lebanese government’s “demilitarisation of Beirut” effort. The talks, set to begin next week in Washington, will prioritize Hezbollah’s disarmament and the establishment of peaceful ties between the two nations. U.S. media reported that the decision came after Netanyahu consulted with President Donald Trump and White House envoy Steve Witkoff, with senior officials urging a reduction in strikes and a shift toward dialogue.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had previously advocated for a ceasefire as the sole resolution to the crisis. He had called for direct negotiations with Israel a month ago, while condemning Hezbollah’s actions. The current wave of Israeli strikes, the heaviest since the conflict began six weeks ago, has claimed 303 lives and injured 1,150, according to Lebanese health records. Over 1,800 casualties, including at least 130 children, have been reported so far, with more than 1.2 million people displaced.