Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to begin direct talks for the first time in over 40 years, a significant development amid ongoing regional tensions. This initiative comes after a series of Israeli bombings in Lebanon that killed 357 people, complicating a recently announced ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. William Christou, reporting from Beirut, emphasizes the surprising nature of these negotiations, given the long-standing state of conflict between the two nations since the early 1980s. The talks will not include Hezbollah, a group that Israel aims to weaken, raising concerns among Lebanese citizens about potential civil unrest. Many locals are reportedly arming themselves and organizing night patrols in anticipation of unrest, reflecting the heightened anxiety surrounding these negotiations. As the situation unfolds, the implications for both countries and the broader region remain uncertain.