Israel and Lebanon expected to hold direct talks in coming days, Haaretz reports - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiugFBVV95cUxPT2czVDJYR3BycWhzTFlvdzlGWVZQZXFfREE0dDhockdWRUV5MzRlR3FiSEFtWnMyZkZxRzFrdUZhMjdlNVJyeVZuMnN4YjBYRVBCcGNJOUVvb3RSQVY3cFFpSlBtdEpiUGphQjBjeV9iS0U1YlpSVk8tSU9WNE1TVGk3ZjU3aWZleHI2TFFFcmZZc21tMm5Lai1hOWRNMHJPTFdiRFVlZ3JyNUxjZmNwMW1jVUoyOG1pQmc?oc=5" target="_blank">Israel and Lebanon expected to hold direct talks in coming days, Haaretz reports</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

France has proposed a plan to end the ongoing war in Lebanon that includes the significant step of Lebanon recognizing Israel for the first time, according to sources familiar with the matter. This initiative aims to de-escalate the conflict, prevent a prolonged Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, increase pressure to disarm Hezbollah, and possibly pave the way to a broader peace agreement. The proposal suggests Israeli-Lebanese negotiations, supported by the U.S. and France, toward a 'political declaration' within a month. Both nations would reaffirm commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the 2024 ceasefire.

Israel is planning a massive ground invasion of southern Lebanon, with the objective of seizing the area south of the Litani River and dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, according to Israeli and U.S. officials. This operation could become the largest Israeli ground campaign in Lebanon since 2006 and potentially lead to a prolonged occupation, further escalating the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) currently have three divisions stationed at the Lebanese border and have already made limited incursions.

Since the outbreak of violent clashes between Hezbollah and Israel on March 2, 2026—shortly after the U.S.-Israeli 'Epic Fury' operation against Iran—Lebanon has been engulfed in chaos and destruction. Israeli strikes have killed nearly 400 people, including 83 children, and displaced over 500,000, while Hezbollah continues its attacks. France, led by President Emmanuel Macron, has called for a ceasefire and offered mediation, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the efforts, reportedly due to strained relations since France recognized Palestine in 2025.