It is anticipated that Israel and Lebanon will engage in direct negotiations in the upcoming days. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that “diplomatic channels” are available to cease hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his readiness to facilitate and host these discussions in Paris as both sides continue their reciprocal bombardments.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported yesterday, citing insider sources, that Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold their first talks of this nature since the conflict began with Iran.

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, is expected to participate in these discussions, which may take place in either Paris or Cyprus. The Israeli delegation will be led by Ron Dermer, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

During his visit to Beirut, Guterres emphasized that “there is no military solution; diplomacy and dialogue are the only means to end the war.” He urged the international community to increase its support for Beirut as the death toll has surpassed 800.

French President Macron called on Israel to accept the idea of “direct talks” with the Lebanese government and its various components, reiterating his willingness to facilitate and host these discussions in Paris.

In a post written in Arabic on the platform X, Macron stated, “Everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos. Hezbollah must immediately halt its escalatory tactics, and Israel should refrain from large-scale attacks and cease its intense bombings, especially as hundreds of thousands have already fled the shelling.”

Moreover, Macron confirmed that the Lebanese government showed “readiness to enter into direct talks with Israel,” emphasizing that all segments of the country should be represented.

Ongoing Airstrikes

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue across Beirut and southern Lebanon. The Israeli military reported targeting over 110 locations associated with Hezbollah in Beirut and southern Lebanon.

One of the airstrikes hit a residential building in the Nabaa area of Bourj Hammoud, north of Beirut. This follows a previous attack on the same site that resulted in one death and four injuries, according to the Ministry of Health. The dense neighborhood is known as a significant settlement for the Armenian community in Lebanon.

The Israeli military has warned that civilian trucks may become targets, accusing Hezbollah of concealing missile launches and using “the Lebanese coastal area to transport military equipment via civilian trucks.” The spokesperson reiterated evacuations for large areas of southern Beirut.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported the deaths of 31 medical personnel and injuries to 51 others due to Israeli attacks since the conflict against Hezbollah commenced on March 2, refuting allegations that ambulances were utilized for military purposes.

Furthermore, an Israeli military spokesperson, Avichai Adraee, accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for “extensive military purposes,” warning that Israel would take action against any military activities conducted by the group utilizing these vehicles.

In southern Lebanon, the National News Agency reported airstrikes in the towns of Naqoura, Majdel Zoun, and Yater, along with bombings targeting the Khardali Bridge crossing the Litani River, as well as residential areas in the vicinity of Sidon.

Infrastructure Bombing

On the previous day, Israel bombed a bridge in southern Lebanon that it claimed was being used by Hezbollah, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatening to target government infrastructure exploited by the group.

The spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Candice Ardil, confirmed that “one of our sites near Mays al-Jabal was hit, likely by heavy machine gun fire, causing a fire and injuring one peacekeeper,” without attributing responsibility for the attack. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Israel has deployed additional forces along its northern border with Lebanon and suggested that a prolonged campaign is in the works.

A senior Israeli official informed Reuters that the campaign against Hezbollah is likely to intensify and will persist even after attacks on Iran cease.

Hezbollah has announced a series of extensive missile strikes targeting military positions and Israeli settlements, including the command center of the 146th division in Gaaton and the defense systems in Maalot Tarshiha.

The group also reported that its fighters struck newly established sites in Blaat and hit Merkava tanks near the Jal al-Aalam site, achieving direct hits, which also included attacks on the settlements of Gronot Haglal and Grun.