Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to open direct negotiations with Lebanon focused on disarming Hezbollah, even as Tehran threatens retaliation over Tel Aviv’s continued bombardment that killed over 200 yesterday in what Iran characterises as ceasefire violations.
“Israel is seeking to open direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” Mr Netanyahu stated, explaining talks would centre on “disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.”
The announcement follows yesterday’s intense Israeli strikes across Beirut that prompted global backlash, with European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas declaring it “hard to argue that such heavy-handed actions fall within self-defense.”
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh revealed Tehran came “on the verge of responding to the ceasefire violation last night” before Pakistani mediation intervened, with Islamabad conveying “messages indicating that the United States would control Israel.”
“Any peace in the region must include Lebanon, and the coming hours are very critical,” Mr Khatibzadeh told Mizan news agency, demanding Washington convince Israel to cease Lebanese operations.
President Donald Trump telephoned Mr Netanyahu yesterday requesting reduced bombardment intensity to preserve Iran negotiations, with a senior administration official confirming Israel agreed “to be a helpful partner” despite the Prime Minister’s Wednesday vow to continue forceful strikes.
The Israeli military issued fresh evacuation notices for entire Beirut neighbourhoods today, though there has been no immediate repetition of yesterday’s attacks that the Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed killed more than 200.
Mr Netanyahu’s statement noted Israeli appreciation for the Lebanese Prime Minister’s evacuation call for Beirut residents.
Fundamental disagreement persists over whether Lebanon falls within ceasefire parameters, with Pakistani and Iranian officials insisting it was included whilst US and Israeli counterparts maintain otherwise.
Vice President JD Vance characterised the dispute as a “legitimate misunderstanding,” acknowledging Iran believed Lebanon was covered though “the U.S. never agreed to that.”
Ms Kallas warned Israeli actions place the ceasefire under “severe strain,” arguing: “Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into the war, but Israel’s right to defend itself does not justify inflicting such massive destruction.”
She insisted the truce should “extend to Lebanon” to prevent regional escalation.
Meanwhile, the crucial Strait of Hormuz has not meaningfully reopened despite ceasefire provisions, though no new Gulf attacks were reported today suggesting the truce holds in that theatre.
Israeli embassy spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment.
