Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to initiate peace negotiations with Lebanon, primarily aimed at dismantling Hezbollah, following urging from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu Announces Talks with Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that he instructed officials to begin “as soon as possible” peace talks with Lebanon, with the primary goal of disarming Hezbollah.
According to NBC News, U.S. President Donald Trump pressed for the commencement of negotiations.
Netanyahu’s Statement and Lebanon’s Appeal
“In response to repeated requests from Lebanon to begin direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the government yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as quickly as possible. The talks will focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon,” read a statement issued by Netanyahu’s office.
He added that Israel “appreciates the Prime Minister of Lebanon’s appeal for the demilitarization of Beirut.”
U.S. Role and Trump’s Influence
NBC News reports that Netanyahu decided to begin negotiations with Lebanon after being persuaded by President Trump, who during a phone conversation on Wednesday, urged the Israeli Prime Minister to limit attacks on Lebanon to ensure the success of U.S. negotiations with Iran.
Lebanon Seeks Temporary Ceasefire
Reuters cites a high-ranking Lebanese official stating that Beirut authorities spent the last 24 hours seeking a temporary ceasefire to facilitate broader talks with Israel.
The Lebanese official indicated that talks with Israel would follow “a separate track, but the same model” as the ceasefire negotiated via Pakistan between the U.S. and Iran.
The official emphasized that the date and location of the talks are yet to be determined, but Lebanon needs the United States as a mediator and guarantor of any agreement.
Potential Negotiation Locations and Participants
Axios reporter Barak Ravid wrote on platform X that the first talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin next week at the U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, will mediate, with Israel represented by its Ambassador to Washington, Yehiël Leiter, and Lebanon by its Ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh-Moawad.
(PAP)
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