The Media Line: Netanyahu Announces Direct Negotiations With Lebanon, Stresses Hezbollah Disarmament   

Netanyahu Announces Direct Negotiations With Lebanon, Stresses Hezbollah Disarmament   

By The Media Line Staff  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked his cabinet to begin direct talks with Lebanon “as soon as possible” with the aim of disarming Hezbollah and reaching a peace arrangement between the two countries.  

In a post on X, Netanyahu said the request followed “repeated calls” from Lebanon for negotiations. Earlier, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun wrote on X that the “only solution” is a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, followed by “direct negotiations” between them. Aoun added that Lebanese security forces have been “carrying out their work fully to enforce security, despite the difficult circumstances they are facing.”  

Israel has moved to open direct negotiations in an effort described by officials and sources told Kan News that military operations against Hezbollah will continue during the talks, including aerial strikes and ground maneuvering, and would only be scaled back after understandings are reached on disarming Hezbollah and ensuring the security of northern residents.  

According to Kan News, an Israeli cabinet source said Lebanon would be required to dismiss Hezbollah ministers as a confidence-building measure the talks. Israeli officials believe a deal could be reached before elections expected in October, and said negotiations would take place under ongoing hostilities while focusing on disputes along the shared border.  

The diplomatic push comes after a ceasefire was announced on Wednesday between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. Following that announcement, Israel launched a broad operation against Hezbollah. US President Donald Trump said Lebanon was not included in the truce, while Iran warned that continued strikes in Lebanon could jeopardize the ceasefire.