Lebanon–Israel Diplomatic Talks to Resume in Washington After Prolonged Conflict

Washington: After more than a month of intense conflict, diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel are set to resume, marking a rare instance of direct engagement between the two nations after decades.

The discussions will take place in Washington and come in the wake of escalating regional tensions in West Asia, including strikes carried out by Israel and the United States in Iran, followed by Israeli military operations in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.

Participants in the talks are expected to include Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, Lebanon’s Ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Hezbollah has not issued any official response regarding the talks.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli strikes in the country have so far resulted in 2,089 deaths, including 252 women, 166 children, and 88 medical personnel. A total of 6,762 people have been injured, while more than ten lakh residents have been displaced.

Despite a ceasefire agreement involving Iran, Israeli operations in Lebanon have continued. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the ceasefire with Iran does not apply to Lebanon.

In recent days, Israel has carried out strikes in Beirut, targeting what it describes as Hezbollah strongholds. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their advance into southern Lebanon, with control reportedly extending up to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the border.

Israeli Defence Minister has indicated that displaced residents from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return until the region is fully secured and militarized.

The last direct diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel took place in 1993, underscoring the significance of the upcoming talks.