Israel has expressed readiness to begin direct peace negotiations with Lebanon, with a key focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.
In a statement, Netanyahu said he had instructed his cabinet to initiate talks “as soon as possible,” citing what he described as repeated requests from Lebanon to open direct negotiations.
According to the Israeli leader, the proposed discussions would centre on dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities and working toward establishing peaceful relations between the two countries.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions, as ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon continue to test broader ceasefire efforts in the Middle East.
