Netanyahu Announces Direct Talks With Lebanon While Continuing Strikes On Hezbollah
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu authorized direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah.
- Israel continues strikes on Hezbollah targets and adjacent areas in Lebanon.
- Lebanon's inclusion in the US-Iran ceasefire is disputed; no Lebanon ceasefire.
Israel-Lebanon Talks
Netanyahu announced Israel would open direct negotiations with Lebanon focusing on disarming Hezbollah.
“Israeli strikes have hit several dense commercial and residential areas in central Beirut without warning, killing hundreds of people and wounding more than 1,000 others, hours after a ceasefire was announced in the United States-Israeli war on Iran”
He told Israelis, 'There is no ceasefire in Lebanon.'
The Lebanese government had not received a formal invitation.
The announcement came amid growing international pressure as the US-Iran ceasefire appeared increasingly fragile.
Talks face enormous hurdles because the Lebanese government has no direct control over Hezbollah.
Ceasefire Coverage Dispute
Iran insisted Lebanon was covered by the ceasefire, while the US and Israel said it was not.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said the truce would include Lebanon.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard denied launching attacks on Gulf states after Kuwait accused Tehran of continuing strikes.
European leaders urged Israel to stop its attacks, warning they threatened to derail the wider ceasefire.
Hezbollah and Israeli Strikes
Israel carried out its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since the conflict began.
Lebanon's health ministry reported more than 300 killed in the strikes.
Hezbollah halted fire on northern Israel and Israeli troops in Lebanon.
More than 1.2 million people had been displaced in Lebanon.
Israel has pledged to occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River.
Strait of Hormuz Closure
The Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed despite the ceasefire.
Iran required coordination with its armed forces for passage.
Abu Dhabi’s oil chief said the strait is not open.
Shipping company executives told CNN companies are hesitant to trust the ceasefire.
Hundreds of ships remained bottled up in the Gulf.
Economic and Political Fallout
The IMF announced it would downgrade its global growth outlook because of the war.
“The Ambassador of the State of Israel to Azerbaijan, Ronen Krausz, gave an interview to APA”
Oil prices fluctuated as markets reacted to the uncertain ceasefire.
The White House warned US government staff against improperly leveraging their positions to place bets.
Israel's Ambassador to Azerbaijan said Israel had realized many of its primary objectives.
He cited the elimination of Iran's Supreme Leader and destruction of 90% of their naval fleet.
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