politics

Netanyahu orders direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and seek peace

Israel will open direct talks with Lebanon aimed at demilitarising Hezbollah and creating peaceful ties, after intense strikes and Lebanon's move to restrict weapons to state forces.

Apr 9th 2026 · Israel

Insights

  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.
  • Negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon.
  • Israel launched its largest wave of strikes on Lebanon since the March 2 war began, killing more than 254 people.
  • Lebanon's cabinet ordered security forces to monopolise weapons in Beirut and banned Hezbollah's military activities, though the group has continued operations.
  • Israeli media reported Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the United States, will represent Israel in the talks.

Sources