Israel said it is ready to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon after ordering people to flee areas targeted in the latest military activity. Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet to start negotiations “as soon as possible”, while the Israel Defense Forces said it was continuing operations in south Beirut.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of rising regional tension and fresh condemnation over Israel’s bombing of Lebanon following the US-Iran ceasefire. The situation has added another layer of pressure to already fragile diplomatic efforts across the Middle East.
In London, the UK foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, said Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement. In remarks also reported by Reuters, Cooper added that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must remain toll-free.
The comments highlight growing concern not only about the conflict itself, but also about the potential impact on maritime traffic in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy supplies, and any disruption can quickly raise international alarm.
Ceasefire talks widen beyond the battlefield
Amid the ceasefire discussions, Tehran has proposed fees or tolls on vessels seeking safe passage through the strait. Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested the US and Iran could collect tolls in a joint venture. The White House, however, said its priority was reopening the strait without limitations.
The competing positions underline how the ceasefire debate has extended beyond the immediate fighting to include broader questions about access, trade and control over key regional waterways. For now, the focus remains on whether diplomatic talks can reduce the risk of further escalation.
Pressure on governments to justify their decisions
The political fallout has also reached domestic audiences. One remark included in the live coverage reflected the emphasis on legal and strategic justification for military decisions, saying that “our principles and values” meant decisions would not involve action “without a lawful basis, without a viable, thought-through plan.”
With Israel signalling openness to direct talks with Lebanon and military activity continuing on the ground, the coming hours are likely to be closely watched by diplomats, governments and shipping interests alike. The central questions now are whether negotiations can begin quickly, and whether the wider regional ceasefire effort can hold together long enough to produce results.
