Israel and Lebanon will hold their highest-level direct talks in more than 40 years in Washington on Tuesday, April 14, with discussions taking place at the US State Department.
Both sides were represented by their ambassadors to the US – Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh Moawad – and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend.
The talks, brokered by Washington, are reaching a critical point in the regional conflict.
The topic of Hezbollah dominates the agenda
The status of Hezbollah remains central to the negotiations, with Israel identifying the militant group as the primary obstacle to peace.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said: “Israel and Lebanon do not have any major disputes between them. The problem is Hezbollah.”
He added that discussions could focus on breaking up the Iran-backed group to pave the way for: “peace and normalization with the state of Lebanon.”
Lebanon pushes for Israeli withdrawal
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed that stability depends on Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
“The only solution is to move the Lebanese army to the internationally recognized borders,” Aoun said, adding that the army should be the only body responsible for security.
Lebanon is expected to push for a cease-fire as a condition for broader negotiations, including Israel’s withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Hezbollah opposes negotiations
Iran-backed Hezbollah rejected the talks and called on the Lebanese government not to participate.
A senior Hezbollah official, Wafiq Safa, said the talks were “of no interest to the group”.
Hezbollah also warned that it would not abide by any agreements reached during the discussions.
Truce under tension
The talks are taking place amid a fragile two-week-old US-Iran truce, where tensions remain high.
Israel says Lebanon is not covered by the ceasefire framework, while mediators have suggested otherwise. Before the meeting, there were reports of cross-border fires.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal remains: “a historic and sustainable peace agreement… that will last for generations.”
The humanitarian crisis is deepening
Continued Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds have devastated parts of Beirut.
The United Nations and International Rescue Committee say the attacks have driven more than one million civilians from their homes, underscoring the urgency of diplomatic efforts.
Global pressure for de-escalation
Foreign ministers from many countries – including France, the United Kingdom and Australia – issued a joint statement calling for a ceasefire and broader de-escalation.
“Direct negotiations can pave the way for lasting security for Lebanon and Israel and for the entire region,” the statement said.
They also pressed for Lebanon’s inclusion in the broader cease-fire effort and pledged support for humanitarian aid.
France calls strikes ‘intolerable’
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.
“The ceasefire must absolutely include Lebanon,” Barrot said, adding that the country cannot become a “scapegoat”.
He warned that continued strikes risked strengthening Hezbollah rather than weakening it.
Italy suspends defense pact with Israel
Italy has suspended a long-term defense deal with Israel amid growing criticism of the war.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “The government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel.
This move signals a shift in European positions as the conflict escalates.
