Daily brief
Israel has announced plans for direct peace talks with Lebanon, aiming to address the disarmament of Hezbollah, and has rejected calls for a prior truce. The announcement comes as Israeli strikes on Lebanon complicate US-led peace efforts with Iran, with Iran warning that dialogue with the US would become 'meaningless' if the situation continues. UN officials and several foreign ministers have condemned the strikes and warned they threaten the US-Iran ceasefire. (ongoing coverage)
Lebanon is seeking a temporary ceasefire to allow broader talks with Israel, according to an official.
Washington is set to host Israel-Lebanon talks next week.
Syria and Turkey are strengthening diplomatic relations, with a foreign minister visit.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary