Lebanon seeks peace, not normalisation with Israel

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has drawn a clear distinction between peace and normalisation with Israel, stating that Beirut’s goal is the former. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Salam dismissed speculation about a potential encounter with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “premature,” emphasising that “any high-level meeting with the Israeli side requires major preparations.”

Context of past talks and future conditions

Salam noted that Lebanon has previously engaged in direct negotiations with Israel, but current circumstances remain unripe for high-level discussions. He insisted that consolidating the existing ceasefire “will form the basis for any new round of negotiations that could be held in Washington.” Lebanon’s “minimum demand,” he said, is “a timetable for Israel’s withdrawal.” He also confirmed that authorities plan to develop a framework ensuring that all weapons fall exclusively under state control.

Ongoing hostilities despite truce

Two rounds of US-brokered talks have already taken place in Washington on April 14 and April 23, with a third session expected next week. However, a ceasefire announced on April 17 and extended until May 17 has not halted Israeli military action. Official figures show that since March 2, Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 2,704 people, wounded 8,311, and displaced more than 1.6 million — roughly one-fifth of the country’s population. Homes in dozens of villages continue to be demolished, echoing the devastation seen in Gaza.