Israel to Start Peace Talks with Lebanon Next Week

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that Israel will begin formal peace negotiations with Lebanon next week in Washington, even as cross-border clashes with Hezbollah continue unabated in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

The talks, to be held at the U.S. State Department under American auspices, mark the first direct discussions between the two nations, which have no diplomatic relations. Netanyahu specified that the negotiations will focus on achieving a long-term peace agreement, conditional on the dismantling of Hezbollah's military capabilities and ensuring Israel's security. "Lebanon has approached us several times to begin direct peace talks," Netanyahu said in a video address. "I have given my approval, but on two conditions: We want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations." Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter added that Israel refused to discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, describing the group as the main obstacle to peace.

The announcement comes amid a fragile two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire announced earlier this week, which Israel and Washington maintain does not extend to the...