Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem on March 19, 2026.Ronen Zvulun/AFP via Getty Images

Netanyahu signals peace talks with Lebanon as Europe abhors continued Israeli bombing – POLITICO

by · POLITICO

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel would pursue direct peace talks with Lebanon “as soon as possible.”

"In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed at the Government meeting yesterday to open direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible," he announced on X.

He added: "The negotiations will focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishing of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon."