PM: Israel to launch direct talks with Lebanon on Hezbollah, bilateral relations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel will initiate direct negotiations with Lebanon, aiming to address the disarmament of the Shiite group Hezbollah and resolve longstanding bilateral conflicts.

“In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed at the Government meeting yesterday to open direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” Netanyahu said.

He added, “The negotiations will focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishing of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.”

Netanyahu also welcomed Lebanon’s public stance on reducing military tensions in its capital. “Israel appreciates the call made today by the Prime Minister of Lebanon to demilitarize Beirut,” he noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva