Lebanon and Israel have held their first diplomatic talks in over three decades, a rare encounter aimed at ending fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who mediated, said it was a 'historic opportunity' to end Hezbollah's influence.
A US statement said the two sides had agreed to launch direct negotiations, at a time and place to be determined. Israel said it wanted to disarm all non-state terror groups - a reference to Hezbollah.
Lebanon called for a ceasefire and measures to address its humanitarian crisis. The two countries do not have diplomatic relations, and the last direct, high-level talks between them took place in 1993.
Since Israeli military operations in Lebanon began on 2 March, over 2,000 people have been killed. During the Washington talks, Hezbollah claimed at least 24 attacks on Israeli troops in Lebanon, prompting alarms in northern Israel.
Israel's operations in Lebanon aim to dismantle Hezbollah, which was also involved in conflicts amid the Gaza war in 2023 and 2024.
Both Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards reducing Hezbollah's influence, while Lebanon emphasized the necessity for humanitarian relief. The US expressed its support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah's actions.
Rubio described the meeting as a long-term process, with hope for substantial progress, while the Lebanese President expressed intentions for peace and control over national security.
However, Hezbollah's political influence remains strong in Lebanon, complicating the resolution of the conflict. A senior member of Hezbollah dismissed the talks as unbinding for the group, underlying the challenges ahead as both nations seek a sustainable ceasefire and peace amidst the ongoing violence.
A US statement said the two sides had agreed to launch direct negotiations, at a time and place to be determined. Israel said it wanted to disarm all non-state terror groups - a reference to Hezbollah.
Lebanon called for a ceasefire and measures to address its humanitarian crisis. The two countries do not have diplomatic relations, and the last direct, high-level talks between them took place in 1993.
Since Israeli military operations in Lebanon began on 2 March, over 2,000 people have been killed. During the Washington talks, Hezbollah claimed at least 24 attacks on Israeli troops in Lebanon, prompting alarms in northern Israel.
Israel's operations in Lebanon aim to dismantle Hezbollah, which was also involved in conflicts amid the Gaza war in 2023 and 2024.
Both Israel and Lebanon have agreed to work towards reducing Hezbollah's influence, while Lebanon emphasized the necessity for humanitarian relief. The US expressed its support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah's actions.
Rubio described the meeting as a long-term process, with hope for substantial progress, while the Lebanese President expressed intentions for peace and control over national security.
However, Hezbollah's political influence remains strong in Lebanon, complicating the resolution of the conflict. A senior member of Hezbollah dismissed the talks as unbinding for the group, underlying the challenges ahead as both nations seek a sustainable ceasefire and peace amidst the ongoing violence.
