Lebanon Calls for Ceasefire Talks; France Leads Mediation

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced Lebanon's readiness to renew negotiations with Israel to stop the escalation, committing to the November 2024 ceasefire framework and demanding Israel halt strikes on Lebanese territory. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said 'ideas are on the table,' primarily from France. France is leading international mediation efforts for Lebanon, while the Lebanese government formally banned Hezbollah's military activities — a significant political move.