On the evening of the 16th, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement pointing out that Israel has the opportunity to reach a historic peace agreement with Lebanon and will advance relevant negotiations while maintaining military pressure.
He stated that this opportunity has arisen because Israel has shifted the balance of power in Lebanon through military actions, severely damaging Hezbollah. In the past month, Israel has received multiple direct dialogue requests from the Lebanese side, which is the first time in more than 40 years.
He said that U.S. President Trump intends to invite him and Lebanese President Aoun to the White House for talks to advance Israel-Lebanon negotiations. Israel has agreed to a 10-day temporary ceasefire to promote the negotiations, but the disarmament of Hezbollah remains one of Israel's core demands.
He emphasized that he has rejected Hezbollah's ceasefire condition that required Israel to withdraw troops from Lebanon. The Israeli military will continue to be stationed in southern Lebanon, expand the security buffer zone through military action, and take action when threats are detected.
Israeli and Lebanese Leaders to Be Invited to White House for Talks
U.S. President Trump said on social media on the 16th: “I will invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun to the White House to hold the first meaningful talks between Israel and Lebanon.”