Netanyahu Orders Direct Negotiations with Lebanon to Begin

SadaNews Translation - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed on Thursday evening for direct negotiations with Lebanon to begin as soon as possible.

Netanyahu claimed that this came in light of Lebanon's repeated requests to start direct negotiations with Israel, according to SadaNews translation.

He stated that the negotiations would focus on disarming Hezbollah and organizing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon.

He expressed Israel's appreciation for the call made by the Lebanese Prime Minister today to disarm Beirut.

Meanwhile, Channel 12 reported that a senior Israeli official said that Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yachi Leitner, will lead the negotiations on behalf of Israel, and President Joseph Aoun will represent Lebanon.

The American Axios website reported that sources said Netanyahu's statement came after telephone conversations he had yesterday with U.S. President Donald Trump and White House envoy Steve Witkoff.

It indicated that Witkoff requested Netanyahu to ease the strikes in Lebanon and start negotiations.

While an Israeli official told the site that there is no ceasefire, and negotiations will begin in the coming days.

Meanwhile, NBC reported from an American official that Trump asked Netanyahu to reduce the intensity of strikes on Lebanon to help ensure the success of negotiations with Iran.