Lebanon is set to press Israel for a ceasefire during face-to-face talks in Washington on Thursday, according to a senior Lebanese official. The meeting is the third round between Lebanese and Israeli envoys since hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel reignited on March 2. Beirut attends despite strong objections from Hezbollah.
The negotiations come as fighting continues between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Multiple reports describe ongoing cross-border exchanges despite a U.S.-backed truce announced last month and a further reduction in fighting that did not fully stop hostilities. The Business Standard report also notes that the renewed talks begin days before a truce-related period is due to expire.
Lebanese officials are seeking an outcome that could include a new ceasefire arrangement and follow-on discussions on issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Hezbollah is not part of the talks and opposes Lebanon engaging in direct negotiations with Israel. The reports also frame the diplomatic push as aligned with broader U.S. efforts to broker a breakthrough between Israel and Lebanon.
