Lebanon has proposed direct negotiations with Israel in an effort to end the escalating conflict with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, as violence along the border continues to displace hundreds of thousands of civilians.
According to officials close to President Joseph Aoun, Beirut is willing to enter talks with Israel once Israeli airstrikes stop. The proposal was presented during a virtual meeting with senior representatives of the European Union. Lebanese authorities say the goal is to establish long-term security arrangements along the volatile border and prevent the conflict from dragging the country deeper into a regional war.
The Lebanese president outlined a four-point plan aimed at restoring stability. The proposal calls for a complete ceasefire, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces to regain control of areas affected by the fighting. Under the plan, Lebanon and Israel would then begin direct negotiations under international supervision to implement the security framework.
President Joseph Aoun also delivered unusually strong criticism of Hezbollah, accusing the group of acting without regard for Lebanon’s national interests and exposing the country to devastating consequences. He said the armed faction had effectively dragged Lebanon into a wider regional conflict at a time when the state was already struggling with economic and political crises.
The conflict has already caused massive humanitarian suffering. The United Nations estimates that more than 700,000 people have been displaced across Lebanon, including about 200,000 children. Many families have been forced to flee their homes with little more than the belongings they could carry, seeking shelter in schools and public buildings.
Tensions sharply escalated after rockets and drones were launched from Lebanese territory toward Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the broader regional conflict. In response, Israel launched an expanded military campaign targeting Hezbollah positions with airstrikes and special forces operations inside Lebanese territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the war will only end once Hezbollah is disarmed. Israeli officials say responsibility lies with the Lebanese government to enforce ceasefire agreements and prevent the militant group from rebuilding its military capabilities.
Despite diplomatic calls for negotiations, there has been little sign that Israel is ready to enter talks at this stage. Israeli officials argue that any long-term peace arrangement must begin with the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
Meanwhile, civilians on both sides of the border remain trapped in the growing conflict. Lebanese residents describe fleeing their homes during overnight airstrikes, with many parents fearing long-term psychological trauma for children who have now experienced multiple wars.
