Major diplomatic breakthrough in Washington, Israel-Lebanon talks begin

A US State Department official has confirmed that high-level direct diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held today, Tuesday, the first of their kind since 1993.
The talks, under US auspices, will discuss key issues including Israel's long-term security on its northern border and the restoration of Lebanon's full sovereignty.
The official said that Israel's war is with Hezbollah, not Lebanon, so there should be no obstacle to direct talks between the two countries.
The meeting will be attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michelle Issa, US Advisor Michael Needham, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yair Lapid, and Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nadia Hamadeh.
According to reports, the talks will begin at 2 pm Greenwich time in Washington.
The talks are taking place at a time when clashes are ongoing between Hezbollah and the Israeli army on the Lebanon-Israel border.
According to Lebanese sources, Beirut will demand a complete ceasefire from Israel, while Israel is pushing for the disarmament of Hezbollah and enhanced border security.
Lebanon also wants guarantees to protect its sovereignty to avoid any potential future incursions, while it seeks to alleviate the economic and political crisis resulting from the current tensions.
On the other hand, Israel's goal is to eliminate Hezbollah's presence near the border, disarm it, and reduce Iranian influence, while maintaining the freedom to take military action if necessary.
Prior to the talks, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qasim called on the Lebanese government to take a tough stance against Israel and withdraw from the negotiating process.
He said that the path to achieving sovereignty lies in the full implementation of the November 2024 agreement.
A senior Hezbollah leader also clarified that the organization will not recognize any direct agreement under US auspices.
It is worth noting that in 2022, an agreement was reached between Lebanon and Israel under US mediation to demarcate their maritime borders, while in December 2025, the two countries held indirect talks with the US to strengthen the 2024 agreement to end the war between Hezbollah and Israel.