Netanyahu orders direct talks ‘under fire’ with Lebanon

Israeli officials later clarified that the talks would proceed “under fire,” with no ceasefire in place before or during the negotiations.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday ordered his government to begin direct talks with Lebanon aimed at disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the two countries.

In a statement, Netanyahu said the negotiations would focus on dismantling the Iran-backed Lebanese political and militant group and advancing toward a full peace agreement.

Lebanese officials called for a ceasefire as a precondition for talks, with the Lebanese presidency publishing remarks by President Joseph Aoun stating that “the only solution to the situation Lebanon is facing is a ceasefire with Israel that would lead to direct negotiations between the two countries.”

Netanyahu rejected that approach in a subsequent address to residents of northern Israel, saying: “There is no ceasefire in Lebanon.”

The diplomatic push comes amid continued hostilities following developments earlier in the week. On Wednesday, after the announcement of a ceasefire between the US and Israel and Iran, Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.

The strikes led to disagreement over whether Israel had violated the ceasefire and whether Lebanon was included in the arrangement. The issue was addressed by President Trump, who said on PBS Newshour that Lebanon was not include.

Israeli officials have maintained that operations in Lebanon are directed at Hezbollah and are separate from the ceasefire framework involving Iran.

The proposed talks represent a shift toward direct engagement between Israel and Lebanon, with Israel emphasizing that negotiations will move forward despite ongoing military activity.

Lebanese officials, meanwhile, have continued to link any negotiations to a halt in hostilities, setting up differing conditions as both sides outline their positions.