New Delhi, April 9 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (April 9) he has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible," even as a fragile ceasefire linked to the Iran conflict shows signs of strain.

Netanyahu said the move followed requests from Lebanon and would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations. He also welcomed Lebanon's prime minister's call to demilitarise Beirut.

There was no immediate response from Lebanon.

The tentative ceasefire between Iran and the United States appeared increasingly fragile, weighed down by continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and tensions over key conditions.

Israel carried out heavy bombardment in Beirut, marking one of the deadli...