Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has instructed Israeli officials to begin negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.
"In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, yesterday I instructed the cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible," Netanyahu said in a statement.
Netanyahu said the negotiations would focus on “disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.” Israel “welcomes today’s call by the Lebanese Prime Minister to demilitarize Beirut,” he added.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's office told CNN it had "no comment" when asked about Netanyahu's remarks.
The negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.
Iran previously said its "fingers remain on the trigger" if Israel continues to attack Lebanon, labeling this a violation of the US-Iran ceasefire.
