Khaberni - A senior Lebanese official announced that Lebanon has spent the past twenty-four hours calling for a temporary ceasefire to allow for broader talks with Israel.
He explained that this would be "a separate path but follows the same model" as the fragile truce that Pakistan brokered between the United States and Iran, according to Reuters.
The official also added that the date and location of the talks have not yet been determined, clarifying that Lebanon needs the United States as a mediator and guarantor for any agreement.
This came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today, Thursday, that he had given instructions to begin "direct negotiations" with Lebanon as soon as possible.
Netanyahu said in a statement "In light of Lebanon's repeated calls to open direct negotiations with Israel, I have instructed the small security cabinet (the cabinet) yesterday to open direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible."
He continued, "The negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon," adding, "Israel appreciates today's call by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for disarmament in Beirut."
An Israeli official revealed that direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will start next week, and the first session will be held at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, as reported by Axios.
He stated that the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, will chair the American side, while Israel's Ambassador to Washington, Yehiel Leiter, will represent Israel, and the Lebanese side will be represented by its Ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamada Moawad.
