Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israeli forces will continue striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon even as rare peace talks between the two sides move forward, underscoring the dual-track approach of military pressure and diplomacy.

Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military remains actively engaged in operations against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, signalling no immediate pause in hostilities despite ongoing negotiations. He indicated that the offensive is aimed at weakening the Iran-backed group’s capabilities and ensuring long-term security along Israel’s northern border.

The remarks come at a time when Israel and Lebanon have initiated what are being described as “historic” talks — the first direct engagement between the two sides in decades. The negotiations, supported by the United States, are focused on de-escalation, border security, and the potential disarmament of Hezbollah as part of a broader peace framework.

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However, the continuation of Israeli strikes highlights the fragile nature of the diplomatic process. Recent attacks have targeted multiple Hezbollah-linked sites across Lebanon, with the Israeli military asserting that its operations are directed at militant infrastructure. At the same time, Lebanese authorities and international observers have raised concerns over civilian casualties and the broader humanitarian impact.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified in recent weeks, forming part of a wider regional escalation linked to tensions involving Iran. The fighting has included cross-border exchanges, large-scale airstrikes, and retaliatory rocket fire, raising fears of a prolonged and wider conflict in the Middle East.

Despite the ongoing violence, Netanyahu maintained that Israel remains open to negotiations, arguing that its current military position has created the conditions for talks to take place. Analysts note that the outcome of these parallel tracks—continued military operations and diplomatic engagement—will be critical in determining whether the region moves toward de-escalation or further conflict.

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