Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are about to begin shortly in the United States. According to international news agencies, the talks between Israel and Lebanon will resume, involving the ambassadors of both countries stationed there. The US Department of State has also confirmed that in this round of talks, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad will participate alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The State Department’s statement added that these negotiations will be held behind closed doors, although prior to the discussions, the ambassadors of the parties will briefly talk to the media. It should be noted that on the very first day of a two-week ceasefire agreed upon between the US and Iran, Israel launched some of its largest airstrikes ever on Lebanon.
In these attacks, Israel claimed to have targeted Hezbollah leaders and positions in Lebanon, with the death toll exceeding 250. In response, Iran and Pakistan stated that Israel’s attacks on Lebanon were a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Several European countries, including France, also want the scope of the ceasefire extended to Lebanon.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers from 17 countries, including the UK, have urged Israel and Lebanon to take advantage of this valuable opportunity during the talks in the US. According to the British Foreign Office, a joint statement said that direct negotiations can pave the way for lasting peace and security not only in Lebanon and Israel but throughout the region. However, indications from the US and Israel suggest that both countries are seeking guarantees and concrete steps toward disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon.
