Lebanon's Ghassan Salamé says Israel talks are necessity, not choice

Lebanon's Culture Minister Ghassan Salamé defended his country's discussions with Israel as essential for giving Lebanese citizens basic stability and economic opportunity. Speaking to France 24, Salamé portrayed Lebanon as a country that has maintained political diversity and free speech despite decades of war.

Salamé emphasized these are talks, not formal negotiations. He pushed back against expectations of quick results, especially regarding Hezbollah's weapons. "The idea that you can disarm just by making two phone calls or two check points here and there is just an illusion," he told Al-Monitor.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement that would lead to direct negotiations between the two countries. Lebanon would form its own negotiating team to end hostile actions between the nations.

Experts warn the talks face major obstacles. Some analysts say meaningful progress is unlikely until Iran, which backs Hezbollah, undergoes fundamental changes in its regional approach.