Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on April 9, 2026, that he has authorised direct negotiations with the Lebanese government to begin
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on April 9, 2026, that he has authorised direct negotiations with the Lebanese government to begin “as soon as possible”.
The primary objectives of these historic talks, which are expected to take place next week in the U.S.
State Department in Washington, including the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of peaceful relations between the two nations.
This decision follows intense international pressure and requests from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who previously advocated for direct diplomacy to resolve the escalating conflict.
Despite the diplomatic opening, Netanyahu emphasised that there is no ceasefire in Lebanon, stating that Israeli forces will continue to strike Hezbollah “with force, precision, and determination” until security is restored.
Recent Israeli air raids in Beirut and other areas have resulted in significant casualties, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting over 300 deaths in a single day.
Israeli officials clarified that any negotiations will be conducted “under fire,” a condition that Lebanese officials have resisted, insisting on a temporary truce before broader talks commence.
The push for direct talks comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, brokered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
While U.S. and Israeli officials maintain that Lebanon was not part of the initial U.S.-Iran agreement, mediators and regional powers are concerned that continued fighting could derail broader peace efforts scheduled for this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan.
U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israel to scale back its operations to help stabilise these upcoming negotiations.
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