Netanyahu instructed the government to begin direct peace talks with Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his cabinet to initiate direct dialogue with the Lebanese side as soon as possible. The decision was made at yesterday’s cabinet meeting in response to repeated appeals from official Beirut.
This was reported by the Israeli leader on social media platform X.
The key topics of the upcoming consultations are expected to be the complete disarmament of the Hezbollah group and the transition to stable peaceful coexistence between the states. The Israeli prime minister emphasized that this step is strategically important for ensuring the security of the country’s northern borders and ending the prolonged tension in the region. Previously, negotiations between the countries were conducted primarily through intermediaries, notably the U.S. and the UN, making the current initiative for direct contact a historic shift in diplomacy.
The Lebanese side has not yet provided detailed official confirmation regarding the format and date of the first meeting, though preliminary signals indicate a willingness to discuss de-escalation. The situation in southern Lebanon remains complex due to the presence of Iranian proxy forces, making the demand for the disarmament of Hezbollah the most contentious point of the negotiations.
Israel is discussing a plan to destroy residential buildings in Lebanese border villages to create a buffer zone. The goal is to protect Israeli communities from potential Hezbollah attacks. The country’s political leadership has already expressed its readiness to carry out mass destruction similar to what occurred in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that joint U.S.-Israeli strikes have dealt a significant blow to Iran’s industrial sector. According to him, up to 70% of the country’s steel production capacity has been destroyed.
