Israel-Lebanon talks likely next week

Israel-Lebanon negotiations are expected to begin next week at the State Department in Washington, according to a person familiar with the plans.

The talks are expected to be handled on the American side by US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, and on the Israeli side by Israel's Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the delicacy of the situation. It was not immediately clear whom Lebanon was sending. Axios first reported the timing and location of the talks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible.”

Netanyahu said he gave the order in response to requests from Lebanon and that talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the neighbouring countries. He welcomed a call by Lebanon's prime minister to demilitarise Beirut.

There was no immediate response from Lebanon.

Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, described the announced ceasefire between the US and Iran as a “big victory” for Iran. In a video statement on Telegram on Thursday, he said Iran ultimately was able to “defeat the enemy”.

He also praised the militant Hezbollah group, saying that they are leading one of their biggest battles in Lebanon. Al-Houthi added that his group was able to prevent Israel and the US from using the Red Sea to attack Iran and confirmed launching strikes at Israel.