Netanyahu: No Lebanon ceasefire despite ordering talks

In a contradictory move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had instructed officials to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” while simultaneously declaring that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.” In a video statement, Netanyahu said fighting would only stop when “security is restored to the residents of the north, Hezbollah is disarmed, and a peace agreement is reached.” He claimed Israel was pursuing “genuine peace from a position of strength.”

US‑hosted talks amid ongoing bombardment

The United States is set to host Israel‑Lebanon ceasefire talks next week at the State Department. Israel’s Channel 13 reported that Tel Aviv may scale down its offensive “following US pressure,” while Channel 14 noted negotiations would be conducted “under fire.” Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad rejected any direct talks with Israel, demanding that Lebanon adhere to a ceasefire as a precondition. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the idea of a ceasefire followed by negotiations is gaining positive international momentum.

Human toll and regional context

Despite the announced negotiations, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed at least 303 people and wounded 1,150 since Wednesday alone, according to Lebanese authorities. Since the expanded offensive began on March 2, total casualties have reached 1,888 dead and 6,092 wounded. The violence continues even after a two‑week US‑Iran ceasefire was announced, which Pakistani mediators and Tehran said includes Lebanon—a claim Washington and Tel Aviv deny. Türkiye has repeatedly condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and called for an immediate halt to civilian bloodshed, warning that such provocations undermine regional peace efforts.