Lebanon will only participate in direct negotiations with Israel next week if a ceasefire is in place beforehand, according to a senior official in the Lebanese president's office. This statement follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorizing direct talks after what he described as "repeated requests from the Lebanese government."
A US State Department official confirmed Washington will host a meeting next week to "discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations."
Despite calls for talks, Israeli air strikes have continued to hit Lebanon, with Lebanese authorities reporting 21 fatalities in the latest attacks. Hezbollah has also launched rockets into Israel. Fatalities in Lebanon included seven members of the same family in Abbassieh and 11 in Zrarieh. A medical center in Burj Qalaway was hit, killing two, and a drone strike targeted an ambulance in Toul.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they struck about 10 rocket launchers on Thursday night that had fired on northern Israel and are continuing to locate and destroy more. Hezbollah also fired rockets overnight, triggering sirens across Israel. One rocket targeted Ashdod, the furthest Hezbollah has fired in the current conflict, but was intercepted.
Hezbollah claims its actions are a response to Israel's "violation" of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. However, there is dispute over whether Lebanon was included in the ceasefire declared by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu stated on Thursday night that "there is no ceasefire in Lebanon."
Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel would be highly unusual, as the two countries have historically communicated through intermediaries. Efforts to establish negotiations have been ongoing since a ceasefire agreement in November 2024.
Lebanese rescue teams continue to recover bodies following intense Israeli air strikes. Since Wednesday's Israeli air raids, Lebanon's health ministry reports 357 deaths and over 1,223 injuries. Mohammad Hamoud described the damage as "complete damage everywhere" in a "very, very short period."
The IDF reported targeting "100+ Hezbollah headquarters, military arrays, & command-and-control centres."
UN aid agencies warn of a growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with over a million displaced and rising food costs. The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking to increase support amidst escalating food insecurity.