Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially declared that he will enter direct talks with the Lebanese government aimed at disarming Hezbollah, a pro-Iran militant faction. The two countries had until now mainly maintained indirect contacts through the United States and the United Nations.
Netanyahu said in a statement on the 9th (local time), "At Lebanon's repeated requests, I instructed the cabinet to begin direct negotiations as soon as possible."
He added, "The talks will focus on Hezbollah's disarmament and the establishment of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon."
Netanyahu also said he "highly values the Lebanese prime minister's call to demilitarize Beirut," referring to Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's measure that released the state would monopolize ownership of all weapons in Beirut.
Analysts say Israel's move to recognize the Lebanese government officially through these talks also carries a strategic intent to neutralize Hezbollah, its greatest security threat. In particular, it aims to isolate Hezbollah, Iran's proxy force, within Lebanon.
However, given Hezbollah's strong military power and political influence in Lebanon, it is highly likely to oppose the talks and the government's disarmament policy, making it uncertain whether the negotiations will proceed smoothly.