Netanyahu says Israel will start talks with Lebanon after intense strikes and US pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel will begin formal talks with Lebanon, marking a significant shift after a day of intense airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions. The strikes, described as the deadliest in the current conflict, came just before Netanyahu announced he had instructed his Cabinet to pursue negotiations. The goal, he said, is to disarm Hezbollah and establish more stable, peaceful relations between the two countries.

The move appears to be influenced by strong diplomatic pressure from the United States, which has been pushing for de-escalation in the region. U.S. officials have been working behind the scenes to sustain a two-week ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran-backed armed groups. While the ceasefire is still holding, its fragility has raised concerns among global leaders. The timing of Israel's decision suggests a coordinated effort to turn temporary calm into longer-term diplomacy.

Hezbollah, a powerful armed group backed by Iran, has long been a flashpoint in the region. Its presence in southern Lebanon and ongoing military capabilities have been a major security concern for Israel. Netanyahu emphasized that any agreement must include concrete steps to remove Hezbollah's weapons and influence near the border. Lebanese officials have not yet confirmed whether they will participate, but international mediators say both sides have signaled cautious openness.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been engaging with Gulf leaders, including the Saudi crown prince and the UAE president, to assess the regional outlook. After those talks, Starmer described the ceasefire as fragile, underscoring the need for sustained diplomacy. His foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, echoed that sentiment, noting that while progress is possible, the risk of renewed violence remains high.

On the humanitarian front, the temporary calm has sparked renewed appeals to resolve long-standing detentions. The son of a British couple held in Iran on espionage charges has called on Starmer to use the current diplomatic momentum to push for their release. He described the ceasefire as a 'very opportune moment' to address such cases, which have been sidelined during periods of active conflict.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether these talks lead to real progress or collapse under old tensions. Analysts warn that while negotiations are a positive step, past efforts have faltered over issues like Hezbollah's disarmament and Iranian influence. Success will depend not just on Israeli and Lebanese willingness, but on broader regional cooperation and continued international involvement.

For now, the region is holding its breath. The combination of military action, diplomatic outreach, and humanitarian appeals reflects how tightly intertwined these issues have become. If the talks gain traction, they could mark the beginning of a broader shift. But if they stall, the risk of another rapid escalation remains very real.