WASHINGTON (Kashmir English): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said Israel is ready “to open direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” a day after the deadliest strikes in Lebanon, including in Beirut.
“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,” according to the statement issued on X.
Netanyahu said that the negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“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.
1/2
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 9, 2026
“Israel appreciates the call made today by the Prime Minister of Lebanon to demilitarize Beirut,” Netanyahu said.
Trump urges Israel to scale back strikes
US President Donald Trump has asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back strikes in Lebanon for the success of US negotiations with Iran, validating Pakistan’s stance of a ceasefire among all parties involved in the conflict.
The American broadcaster, NBC News, citing a senior govt official, said that Trump asked Netanyahu in a phone call yesterday to scale back Israel’s strikes in Lebanon to help ensure the success of the Iran negotiations.
While the Trump administration and Israel have both said Lebanon is not covered by the ceasefire, Israel agreed “to be a helpful partner,” the official said.
The phone call came after Netanyahu publicly vowed on Wednesday to continue striking Lebanon forcefully, the official said.
A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy did not respond to a request for comment, NBC reported.
More to Follow
