The U.S. is preparing a historic meeting to end the war between Israel and Lebanon
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is preparing a diplomatic meeting that could significantly influence the course of the war in the Middle East. Direct talks between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to take place in Washington today—the first such meeting in over 30 years.
This was reported by Axios.
A similar format of dialogue between these countries has not been used since 1993. The current intensification of the negotiation process is linked to the escalation of the conflict, particularly Israel’s strikes against Hezbollah militants on Lebanese territory. U.S. President Donald Trump may also have influenced the rapid advancement of diplomatic initiatives.
The parties are expected to discuss three key issues:
- an immediate ceasefire and the halting of ground operations;
- the long-term disarmament of the Hezbollah terrorist group;
- the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
In addition to Marco Rubio, the talks will be attended by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, State Department Advisor Michael Needham, as well as the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon—Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamade.
The U.S. State Department emphasized the importance of this dialogue and explained its rationale: “As a direct result of Hezbollah’s reckless actions, the Israeli and Lebanese governments are engaged in open, direct, high-level diplomatic negotiations mediated by the United States. Israel is at war with Hezbollah, not with Lebanon, so there is no reason why the two neighbors should not negotiate.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long opposed any direct contact with the Lebanese government. However, the situation has changed under pressure from Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump insists on a rapid de-escalation of the conflict and the achievement of concrete results. According to sources, it was after a conversation with Trump that Netanyahu agreed to take the first step toward launching the peace process.
As a reminder, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially supported President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a naval blockade against Iran.
Iran announced that negotiations with the U.S. have moved to the expert level
The US and Iran held talks with Pakistan’s participation.
The US announced the start of demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, US warships passed through the strait for the first time since the start of the war without Iran’s approval.
Negotiations between the US and Iran began to move forward. Tehran stated that Washington had allegedly agreed to unfreeze some of Iran’s assets, but there has been no official confirmation from the American side yet.
