Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed his government to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible” amid ongoing regional tensions.
Netanyahu Calls for Negotiations, Excludes Hezbollah from Ceasefire
In response to repeated requests from Lebanon for direct negotiations with Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday instructed his government to begin those talks “as soon as possible,” according to a statement released on Thursday, April 9th.
Netanyahu stated that the recent ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran was reached “in full coordination” with Israel, clarifying that Israel was not informed at the last minute.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets
Netanyahu announced that Israel delivered the largest blow to Hezbollah since an operation involving pagers and shortwave radios in September 2024, attacking 100 targets within 10 minutes in locations Hezbollah believed were secure.
Hezbollah Official Killed in Beirut Strike
Ali Yusuf Harshi, the secretary and nephew of Hezbollah leader Naim Kasem, was killed Wednesday in an attack on Beirut, as reported by Reuters.
Attacks on Hezbollah Infrastructure
The Israel Defense Forces reported overnight attacks on two key crossings over the Litani River, used by Hezbollah to transport weapons into southern Lebanon for attacks on Israel.
Wednesday saw massive Israeli attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, resulting in at least 254 deaths and 1165 injuries.
US-Iran Ceasefire Does Not Extend to Lebanon
The U.S. and Iran previously agreed to a two-week ceasefire in the conflict that began on February 28th, but both the United States and Israel have emphasized that this agreement does not include military actions on Lebanese territory.
