By Paul Joseph
Israel has announced plans to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as the death toll from recent airstrikes on Beirut climbed to at least 303, according to Lebanese authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed he had instructed his cabinet to initiate talks, even as military operations continue.
“There is no ceasefire in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel would “continue to strike Hezbollah with force” until its security objectives are achieved.
The escalation comes amid conflicting signals over a ceasefire arrangement involving Iran and the United States, with Tehran accusing Israel of violating the truce.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that Israel may scale back its military operations to support diplomatic efforts.
“I spoke with Netanyahu and he’s going to low-key it,” Trump said in an interview, expressing optimism about upcoming negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 1,000 people were also wounded in the strikes, which have intensified pressure on the country’s already strained healthcare system.
The World Health Organization warned that hospitals in Lebanon could run out of critical medical supplies within days if the violence continues, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
On the ground, fresh Israeli strikes have continued across parts of Lebanon, targeting what the Israeli military described as Hezbollah infrastructure. The Iran-backed Hezbollah has, in turn, claimed responsibility for rocket attacks into northern Israel, further escalating tensions.
The United States has also stepped in diplomatically, with the US State Department confirming plans to host talks next week aimed at sustaining the fragile ceasefire and advancing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
Despite the diplomatic push, uncertainty remains over the terms and durability of the ceasefire, with both sides continuing military actions and trading accusations.
The latest developments highlight the fragile security situation in the region, where efforts to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing but remain uncertain.
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