Israel Suddenly Invites Lebanon to Negotiate, Starting to Lose Against Hezbollah?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unexpectedly stated that his government is ready to hold direct talks with Lebanon. This announcement came just one day after Israel’s intense airstrikes that killed hundreds in Lebanon and threatened the stability of the newly agreed ceasefire between the United States (US) and Iran.
Citing Al Jazeera, Netanyahu revealed that this decision was in response to requests from the Lebanese side. He claimed to have given specific instructions to his cabinet to follow up on the negotiation plans immediately.
“In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” Netanyahu said in an official statement released by his office on Thursday (09/04/2026).
The Israeli government emphasised that the main focus of the dialogue would be the disarmament of the pro-Iran militant group Hezbollah and efforts to normalise relations between the two neighbouring countries.
“The negotiations will focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon,” Netanyahu continued in his statement.
This news emerges amid a highly tense situation, where Israel’s attack on Lebanon the previous Wednesday had claimed more than 300 lives.
Tensions have escalated due to differing perceptions regarding the scope of the US-Israel and Iran ceasefire mediated by Pakistan. Israel and the US insist that Lebanon is not included in the two-week peace pact, while Iran and Pakistan claim otherwise.
Before Netanyahu’s announcement surfaced, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that his side was indeed pursuing diplomatic channels. Aoun mentioned that the steps taken are beginning to be viewed positively by international actors as a way out of the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese cabinet has taken firm action by ordering security forces to limit arms possession in Beirut to state institutions only, a strong warning aimed at the Hezbollah group.
“The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin strengthening full state authority oversight over the Beirut governorate and monopolising arms only in the hands of legitimate authorities,” Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated firmly at the end of the cabinet meeting on Thursday.
President Aoun added via a post on social media platform X that stopping violence is the only path to the country’s safety. He committed to maintaining Lebanon’s internal stability to avoid plunging into civil war.
“I have said it and I repeat: I will not allow internal divisions to occur, and everyone must have trust in the state and its legitimate forces, because there is no safety without it,” Aoun said.
However, this negotiation offer has immediately faced strong rejection from Hezbollah. A parliament member from the Hezbollah group, Ali Fayyad, emphasised that his side rejects direct talks with Israel and demands key preconditions before further diplomatic steps are taken by the government.
“The Lebanese government must demand a ceasefire as a prerequisite before the next steps. The government’s position must also prioritise the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the return of displaced people,” Fayyad concluded.
In line with this, an official source reported to Al Jazeera that no talks will take place before a ceasefire is fully secured on the ground. On the other hand, Israel is still observed continuing its airstrikes on various areas in Lebanon up to Thursday morning, targeting Hezbollah leaders.