Netanyahu announces negotiations with Lebanon after U.S. pressure
· Axios
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he has instructed his cabinet to launch direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.
- However, an Israeli official told Axios that Israel would not observe a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Why it matters: Netanyahu's statement follows calls on Wednesday with President Trump and White House envoy Steve Witkoff. Senior U.S. officials said Witkoff asked Netanyahu to "calm down" the strikes in Lebanon and open negotiations.
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- Iran claims Lebanon was part of the ceasefire deal, that the U.S. and Israel are now in violation, and that it might abandon peace talks or keep the Strait of Hormuz closed as a result.
- The U.S. and Israel deny that the ceasefire included Israel's offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- Israel massively escalated that offensive in the 24 hours after the ceasefire was agreed. Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed at least 254 people, according to Lebanese Civil Defense.
What he is saying: "In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible," Netanyahu said in a statement.
- He added that the negotiations "will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon."
- "Israel appreciates the Lebanese prime minister's call today to demilitarize Beirut," Netanyahu said.
Yes, but: An Israeli official told Axios: "No ceasefire in Lebanon. The negotiations with the Lebanese government will begin in the coming days."