Since the U.S. and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on Tuesday night, Israel has continued to pummel Lebanon with air strikes, killing more than 300 people. So what is Israel really trying to accomplish in Lebanon?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israelis the bombardment of Lebanon would continue, but also said his cabinet would open direct negotiations to bring about “a historic, sustainable peace.”

A tentative U.S.-Iran ceasefire is faltering as Israel pounds Beirut, Iran maintains its grip on the Strait of Hormuz and truce talks remain uncertain, with both Tehran and Washington claiming victory and exerting pressure.

As the focus shifts to negotiations between the United States and Iran, no formal Israeli participation is planned.

Israeli Prime ⁠Minister ⁠Benjamin Netanyahu said on ⁠Thursday that he has given an ​instruction for Israel to begin peace talks with Lebanon that ‌would also include the ‌disarming of Hezbollah. "In light of Lebanon's repeated requests ⁠to ⁠open direct negotiations with Israel,

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted a two-week ceasefire in the war. Its statement said it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday. “It is emphasized that this does not signify the termination of the war,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel was continuing "to strike Hezbollah," despite allegations from Iran and the international community that it was violating the ceasefire agreement between the U.

Israel supports U.S. President ⁠Donald Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for ​two weeks, but the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin ‌Netanyahu's office said on Wednesday.