An Israeli official said there is "no ceasefire in Lebanon" despite the announcement of negotiations between the countries, potentially casting doubt on conversations between the U.S. and Iran to achieve a stop to hostilities in the region.
"The negotiations with the Lebanese government will begin in the coming days," an official told journalist Barak Ravid.
The remarks follow the announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said on Thursday the country opened direct negotiations with Lebanon as Iran threatens to not hold negotiations on the war if attacks against Hezbollah in the country continue.
"In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible. The negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon. Israel appreciates the Lebanese prime minister's call today to demilitarize Beirut," Netanyahu said in a statement.
The development comes as Israel continued to escalate attacks in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that Ali Youssef Kharshi, secretary and nephew of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, was killed in Beirut.
Netanyahu added that, "at the same time, overnight, the IDF struck a series of terror infrastructures in southern Lebanon: crossings used to transfer thousands of weapons, rockets, and launchers, as well as weapons depots, launchers, and Hezbollah headquarters."
Ravid added in a social media publication that direct negotiations will begin next week, days after U.S. and Iranian officials are set to meet in Pakistan to discuss a stop to their own hostilities.
🚨A senior Israeli official says the direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will begin next week. The first meeting will take place at the State Department in Washington. The U.S. side will be led by the Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. Israel will be represented by its… https://t.co/EUKkShQsX2
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 9, 2026
The speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, said in different occasions that a half to attacks in Lebanon is key to maintain the ceasefire, and won't observe it if that's not the case. The U.S. and Israel repeatedly claimed that was not the case, but Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday Israel had agreed to show restraint in Lebanon to help talks.
Originally published on IBTimes
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