Israel announces direct negotiations with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. Talks could begin next week
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that he had ordered his cabinet to begin “as fast as possible” direct negotiations with Lebanon, with the main objective being the disarmament of the Islamist Hezbollah movement and the establishment of peaceful relations between the two parties.
Israel wants to start direct negotiations with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. PHOTO: Profimedia
According to his office, the decision is coming “following repeated requests by Lebanon” to open a direct channel of dialogue with Israel.
Negotiations possible as early as next week
The talks could start as early as next week, according to information appearing in the international press. An Axios journalist, quoted by Reuters, said that the first round of negotiations would take place at the US State Department in Washington.
“Senior Israeli official says direct talks between Israel and Lebanon to begin next week”, writes an Axios correspondent, Barak David, on X.
According to him, the American delegation would be led by the US ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, while Israel would be represented by its ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter.
On the other hand, Lebanon would participate through its ambassador in the American capital, Nada Hamadeh-Moawad.
The stakes of the discussions
The negotiations would mainly aim at disarming Hezbollah, an organization supported by Iran and considered by Israel to be a major threat on the northern border.
At the same time, Netanyahu indicated that the long-term goal is to establish peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon, two states that have been in conflict for decades, according to AFP.
We remind you that Benjamin Netanyahu is targeted by a corruption trial, which will resume on Sunday, April 12. Netanyahu is accused of fraud, embezzlement and bribery. Allegations include that he allegedly granted privileges to telecommunications group Bezeq when he was communications minister. He also reportedly accepted lavish gifts from billionaire friends.
In two other files, Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of trying to negotiate more favorable coverage in two Israeli publications. Benjamin Netanyahu denies all the facts.
