Israel and Lebanon hold talks

The rare direct engagement comes after more than a month of intense conflict involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.

While officials are cautious about an immediate breakthrough, the talks represent a significant shift in regional diplomacy.

Israel's security cabinet is reportedly weighing a potential one-week truce, even as Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains that military operations will continue until Hezbollah is disarmed.

The humanitarian situation in southern Lebanon remains dire, with over 2,100 people killed since hostilities resumed in March.