Israel to Begin Direct Negotiations With Lebanon Over Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he has authorised the government to begin direct peace negotiations with Lebanon.
“The negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon,” he added, citing repeated calls from Lebanon to start a dialogue.
The Lebanese government did not immediately respond to the statement. Shortly before, however, Lebanese President Yousef Aoun said that the solution to the situation was a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, to be followed by direct negotiations. He added that a diplomatic solution was in the works and, in his view, was beginning to gain support among international actors.
Israel renewed its offensive against Hezbollah after Iran-backed militias began attacking Israeli territory on 2 March. According to Lebanese authorities, the Israeli attacks have caused about 1,700 casualties and displaced more than one million people.
At the same time, according to sources familiar with the situation, at least 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed after the group fired hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel.