Israel and Lebanon to Discuss Potential Ceasefire Talks

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Israel and Hezbollah continued to exchange attacks on Friday, although at a reduced intensity compared to previous days. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has directed his cabinet to initiate ceasefire talks with Lebanon “as soon as possible.” This comes after a day of intense fighting, which resulted in the deaths of at least 300 people and injured over 1,150.

Netanyahu stated in an official statement on Thursday that he had made the request following repeated calls from Beirut to engage in direct talks. However, he confirmed that Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets despite this announcement.

Analysts have expressed concerns that the ongoing attacks could disrupt planned peace talks between the United States and Iran, set to take place in Pakistan on Saturday. The US-Iran war began on February 28, and a ceasefire was announced by both countries just hours before Wednesday’s heavy bombing of Lebanon.

Hezbollah has also fired missiles into Israel, sparking further conflict. Experts believe that Wednesday’s attacks were likely intended to disrupt Tehran’s talks with the US, as Iran has insisted that halting fire on both Iran and Lebanon would be a necessary condition for any negotiations.

Israel claims its retaliation is aimed at targeting fighter positions, but thousands of civilians have been killed, and over one million people displaced. The conflict began in response to armed attacks from Palestinian fighters, which led to Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 to 1990. Hezbollah was formed as a resistance movement against this invasion.

As of Friday morning, both the Israeli and Lebanese governments have signaled their willingness to engage in peace talks. However, analysts are skeptical about Israel’s intentions due to its continued bombing of Lebanon. Israeli Army Chief Eyal Zamir stated that his country will continue to fight against Hezbollah with great intensity, prepared to resume fighting if necessary.

Lebanese Prime Minister Joseph Aoun welcomed Netanyahu’s announcement of talks, but Beirut has insisted that there will be no negotiations under the current circumstances. The US is reportedly applying pressure on Israel to comply, and has offered to mediate and host Israeli and Lebanese negotiators.

Source: Al Jazeera