, April 9 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has issued instructions to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible," following what he claimed were requests from Beirut.

The announcement comes after Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continued despite a two-week ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran, sparking confusion over whether Lebanon was included in the agreement.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the only solution to the current crisis is a ceasefire with Israel and reported that initial talks with Israel have received a "positive response."

Pakistan's representative to the United Nations Security Council confirmed that the US-Israel ceasefire included Lebanon, noting that the hostilit...