Region-Wide Ceasefire Would Hasten His Jailing: Iran Minister On Netanyahu

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to X to hit out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said that a region-wide ceasefire, including the one about to happen with Lebanon, would expedite his "jailing".

"Netanyahu's criminal trial resumes on Sun. A region-wide ceasefire, incl in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing", Aragchi wrote on X.

Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be charged with a crime.

His long-running corruption trial will resume on Sunday, the courts' spokesperson said on Thursday, hours after Israel lifted a state of emergency imposed over its war with Iran.

The emergency, which had closed schools and workplaces, was lifted on Wednesday evening as no incoming Iranian missiles had been reported after a ceasefire was agreed.

Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust - all of which he denies. His trial, which started in 2020, could result in jail terms and has faced multiple delays due to his official commitments.

US President Donald Trump has also supported Netanyahu in his appeal for pardon from Israel's President Isaac Herzog, citing the impact of regular court appearances on his ability to carry out his duties.

Netanyahu Clears Negotiations With Lebanon

Netanyahu said on Thursday that he has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon "as soon as possible". The move comes as a fragile two-week truce between the US, Israel, and Iran hangs by a thread following the intensification of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon.

"In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible," his office wrote in a statement.

"Negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon. Israel appreciates today's call by the Prime Minister of Lebanon to demilitarize Beirut," the statement added.

Israel and Lebanon are expected to initiate talks in Washington next week. The two countries have technically been at war since Israel was established in 1948.