Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday his directive for officials to commence direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes throughout the country. This move comes in response to Lebanon’s repeated requests for direct dialogue, aiming to address issues such as the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of peaceful relations between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, a senior Israeli official indicated that these talks are expected to begin next week. The initial meeting is scheduled to take place at the State Department in Washington, with the U.S. delegation led by Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. Representing Israel will be its Ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, while Lebanon’s delegation will include Ambassador Nada Hamadeh-Moawad.

Reports from Israel’s Channel 14 highlight that these negotiations will proceed amid ongoing military tensions in southern Lebanon. Channel 13, referencing an Israeli official, noted that Tel Aviv might reduce its current offensive on Lebanon due to pressure from the United States.

The daily Israel Hayom, citing a local official, mentioned that Netanyahu’s decision to initiate talks with Lebanon is intended to alleviate growing international pressure on Israel. However, Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad expressed opposition to any direct negotiations with Israel, urging the Lebanese government to enforce a ceasefire as a prerequisite for any further actions. He emphasized the need for Israeli withdrawal, cessation of hostilities, and the return of displaced residents to their homes.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun earlier noted that the concept of a ceasefire with Israel, followed by direct negotiations, is gaining positive traction at the international level. Despite a U.S. and Iranian-announced two-week ceasefire, the Israeli military has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon since Wednesday, resulting in at least 303 fatalities and 1,150 injuries.

Contrary to statements from Pakistani mediators and Tehran asserting that the ceasefire applies to Lebanon, both Washington and Tel Aviv have denied this. The escalated Israeli offensive on Lebanon since March 2 has resulted in the deaths of 1,888 people and injuries to 6,092 others, as reported by the Lebanese Health Ministry.