No direct talks with Lebanon planned, says Israeli Foreign Minister

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has dismissed reports suggesting that direct talks between Israel and Lebanon are imminent, saying no such dialogue is planned in the coming days. 

Speaking from Zarzir in northern Israel, where an Iranian missile landed on Friday, Sa’ar stressed that any progress would require concrete steps by Lebanese authorities to act against Hezbollah.

When asked by a Reuters journalist about potential discussions between Beirut and Jerusalem on an agreement aimed at curbing Hezbollah, Sa’ar responded firmly that such talks were not on the agenda. He noted that the Lebanese government and army must first take effective measures to stop rocket fire from Lebanese territory toward Israel.

According to Sa’ar, Lebanon has not taken significant action against Hezbollah since the ceasefire brokered by the United States in November 2024. “We are expecting serious measures to end the attacks on Israel,” he said, emphasizing that the current priority is halting Hezbollah’s attacks.

Despite this, Sa’ar highlighted that Israel remains committed to peace and normalization with Lebanon. He clarified that the main dispute is with Hezbollah rather than the Lebanese state itself, and that border disagreements between the two countries are relatively minor and could be resolved.

The comments follow reports from army radio that former Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer recently visited Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible initiative for direct talks between Israel and Lebanon.

Sa’ar also denied claims that Israel had informed the United States about a shortage of missile interceptors, calling such reports “unfounded.” The Israel Defense Forces stated it remains “ready to face all scenarios.”