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Israeli officials: Lebanon talks expected in coming days — aimed at Hezbollah disarmament ceasefire

·Israel / Lebanon

Israeli officials said on Day 16 evening that talks with Lebanon are expected in the coming days, aimed at securing a durable ceasefire requiring Hezbollah disarmament. This reverses earlier Israeli FM Saar statements denying imminent talks. A UN statement accompanied the news. Timing and terms have not been agreed. Confirmed by The Guardian live blog.

Israeli officials told media on March 15, 2026 (Day 16, ~19:00 UTC) that talks with Lebanon are expected in the coming days, aimed at securing a durable ceasefire that would see Hezbollah disarmed. The Guardian reported the development alongside a UN statement on Lebanon diplomacy. Timing and terms have not yet been agreed. The disclosure represents a significant shift from earlier in the day, when Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar explicitly stated there were no plans for direct talks with the Lebanese government. The new stance suggests Israel is opening a diplomatic track on the Lebanon front while continuing military operations against both Iran and Hezbollah. Hezbollah disarmament has been Israel's stated condition for any Lebanon ceasefire since the 2024 agreement collapsed. Whether Hezbollah and its political arm in the Lebanese government would accept disarmament terms remains highly uncertain.

Actor responses

IsraelNEUTRALRESPONSE

Israel is prepared to engage in talks with Lebanon aimed at a durable ceasefire, contingent on the disarmament of Hezbollah. We will not accept any arrangement that leaves Hezbollah armed and capable of threatening Israel.

HezbollahOPPOSINGRESPONSE

Hezbollah will never accept disarmament. These so-called talks are a trap designed to legitimize the Zionist occupation. The resistance will continue until Israeli forces leave Lebanese territory.

United StatesSUPPORTINGRESPONSE

The United States welcomes any diplomatic track that leads to Hezbollah disarmament and a stable Lebanon. We support Israeli efforts to secure a durable ceasefire with Lebanon that prevents future attacks.