Netanyahu sees historic opening for Lebanon peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his agreement to a 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon, stating it creates a 'historic opportunity' for a peace deal. He claimed the strategic balance has shifted and that Israel has received messages from within Lebanon to begin direct negotiations. However, Netanyahu emphasized the ceasefire does not mean a withdrawal, clarifying that Israeli forces will remain stationed in the 'expanded security zone'—the area between the Lebanese coast and the Syrian border—and will not leave.