Israel Seeks Lasting Peace Deal with Lebanon: Netanyahu

Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel is open to entering into a “real” and enduring peace agreement with Lebanon, even as he intensified his criticism of Iran and its regional proxies. He asserted that his government will continue military operations against what he termed a “terrorist regime.”In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, “Under my leadership, Israel will continue to fight against Iran’s terrorist regime and its proxies, in contrast to Erdogan who aids them and even slaughters his Kurdish citizens.”According to reports by Al Jazeera, Israel has agreed to begin formal negotiations with Lebanon next week following weeks of intense cross-border hostilities and a ground incursion into parts of Lebanese territory. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel seeks an enduring peace arrangement with Lebanon, while maintaining that such an agreement must ensure long-term security guarantees.In a video address, Netanyahu said Israel is open to a peace deal with Lebanon, but only if it is long-lasting and conditional upon the “dismantling” of Hezbollah’s military capabilities. “Lebanon has approached us. In the past month, it has reached out several times to begin direct peace talks,” he said.“I have given my approval, but on two conditions: We want the dismantling of Hezbollah’s weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations,” he added.Netanyahu’s comments came as the first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Islamabad late Saturday night after several hours of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders. The talks marked a significant development in ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in West Asia.Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed that its forces targeted more than “200 Hezbollah sites” across Lebanon over the past 24 hours. In a post on X, the military stated that its air force would continue to strike “Hezbollah infrastructure” in southern Lebanon as part of its ongoing campaign.Amid the continued military activity, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the ceasefire in Lebanon was part of an agreement discussed with the United States, according to Iranian state media Press TV. The report added that the remarks were confirmed by the Pakistani side, and that the Iranian delegation remains in contact with Hezbollah regarding further decisions.These developments coincide with the start of trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran, and Pakistan in Islamabad. Al Jazeera reported that these are the highest-level discussions between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.



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