Netanyahu Orders Direct Talks With Lebanon to Disarm Hezbollah Amid Ongoing Strikes
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu authorized negotiations with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, set to begin soon.
- Israeli strikes in Lebanon continue as death toll climbs.
- Effort framed as aiding ceasefire efforts, with U.S. pressure noted.
Netanyahu Announces Talks
Netanyahu announced he instructed his cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government is ready to hold direct talks with Lebanon, a day after Israeli attacks on its northern neighbour killed hundreds of people and threatened a fragile United States-Iran truce”
The talks will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations.
Netanyahu said he appreciates the Lebanese prime minister's call to demilitarize Beirut.
The talks are expected to begin next week in Washington.
Netanyahu stressed there was no ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Lebanese Government Moves
The Lebanese cabinet instructed security forces to reinforce the state's total control over Beirut.
Salam declared a national day of mourning after Israeli strikes killed at least 303 people.
The Lebanese cabinet decided to lodge a complaint against Israel with the UN Security Council.
Hezbollah rejects direct negotiations with Israel.
The Lebanese army is widely seen as too weak to disarm Hezbollah.
International and Regional Reactions
The announcement of talks came amid intense European pressure on Israel.
“Skip to main content 5 hours ago - World Netanyahu announces negotiations with Lebanon after U”
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the attacks shouldn't be happening.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that continued Israeli attacks would bring explicit costs.
The White House said Vice President Vance would lead the delegation for talks.
Trump told Netanyahu he was going to low-key it.
Challenges Ahead
Hezbollah rejects direct negotiations.
The Lebanese government insists a ceasefire must be in place before talks begin.
Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets.
The talks come after five decades of hostility.
Netanyahu's corruption trial is set to resume on Sunday.
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