Damaged buildings at Kafr Kila following Israeli army activity across the border between Israel and Lebanon, as seen from Metula on the Israeli side of the border on April 9, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (April 9, 2026) that he has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” as a tentative ceasefire in the Iran war staggered under the weight of Israel’s bombardment of Beirut. Mr. 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. Published – April 09, 2026 10:09 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Alappuzha records 77.36% voter turnout, up from 74.68% in 2021 Family of slain children in Manipur demands perpetrators be arrested and punished