Israel to Begin Direct Negotiations with Lebanon
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that Israel plans to initiate direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” aiming to disarm Hezbollah and establish a “historic and sustainable peace agreement,” amidst ongoing tensions regarding the fragile US-Iran ceasefire.
This directive follows a cabinet decision and comes after Netanyahu’s repeated requests to the Lebanese government for direct dialogue. The focus will be on dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities and fostering peaceful relations between the two countries.
“The negotiations will center on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon,” Netanyahu stated, expressing appreciation for the Lebanese prime minister’s call to demilitarize Beirut.
Despite the announcement, Netanyahu emphasized to residents of northern Israel that this diplomatic effort does not mean a halt to military operations. He insisted there is “no ceasefire in Lebanon” and reaffirmed that Israeli forces would continue to confront Hezbollah “with all our might” until security is restored.
Netanyahu mentioned that Israel’s campaign against Iran and its proxies has led to a “historic shift” in the nation’s regional position, which he believes opens up new opportunities for normalization efforts and pursuing “peace through strength.”
Pressure for these negotiations reportedly comes from President Trump and White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who aim to ensure that the Lebanese front does not undermine broader ceasefire negotiations with Iran.
In a phone interview, President Trump confirmed he discussed the matter with Netanyahu, asserting that Israel would adopt a more restrained approach in Lebanon as diplomatic talks progress ahead of discussions scheduled for this weekend in Islamabad.
US officials clarified that Israel’s actions against Hezbollah do not fall under the ceasefire agreement with Iran. Trump described the situation in Lebanon as a “separate skirmish,” while Vice President J.D. Vance cautioned that abandoning negotiations over this front would be “foolish,” as it is unrelated to the deal. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt reiterated that Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire.
Amidst these discussions, Iran and its allies are making counterclaims, asserting that Lebanon is included in the ceasefire framework and warning that ongoing Israeli operations might make negotiations “pointless.” Mediators from Pakistan also echo these sentiments concerning the agreement’s scope.
Even with negotiations on the horizon, Israeli officials have made it clear they will maintain pressure on Hezbollah and continue military operations alongside diplomatic discussions. Reports indicate that recent airstrikes have led to hundreds of casualties, with Israel claiming many of the targets were Hezbollah operatives, amidst a larger operation aimed at the group’s infrastructure.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem’s aide in a Beirut strike, part of a broader offensive targeting command centers, arms depots, and transportation routes utilized for weaponry.
Conversely, Hezbollah continues to launch rockets into northern Israel, and the Israel Defense Forces warned that more areas could face attacks, highlighting the persistent threat even as negotiations progress.
Since March 2, the conflict intensified as Hezbollah resumed rocket fire at Israel, breaking an existing ceasefire and expanding the conflict beyond previous constraints following a US-Israeli strike on Iran.
Israeli officials claim that the Lebanese government has not adequately disarmed Hezbollah, contrary to prior agreements, resulting in a substantial military presence along the border.
In recent weeks, Lebanese authorities have signaled attempts to re-establish state control, including initiatives to consolidate arms and expel Iranian-linked personnel, facing challenges from Iranian officials and Hezbollah-aligned factions.
Moreover, ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to complicate the diplomatic context. Merchant shipping has been required to coordinate with the Revolutionary Guards, and transport levels have not returned to normal despite recent ceasefire terms.
Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin next week in Washington, involving relevant ambassadors from both sides. These talks are framed as efforts to secure Hezbollah’s disarmament while exploring broader diplomatic breakthroughs.
With talks between the US and Iran set for Saturday in Islamabad, the upcoming days will challenge the viability of these parallel diplomatic efforts amidst existing tensions and unresolved disputes over the ceasefire’s scope.
