Ahead of a scheduled meeting in Washington on Tuesday, discussions between Israel and Lebanon are set to take place with mediation from the United States. The talks come at a time of continued conflict
and uncertainty in the region.
US mediation and Israel’s position
Speaking to CNN News18, David Mence, spokesperson for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that Lebanon will be discussed separately as part of wider diplomatic efforts.
He stated that a dialogue has already begun between Israel and Lebanon under US mediation. According to him, the primary aim is to remove the threat posed by Hezbollah, disarm the group, and move towards peaceful relations between the two countries.
Mence made it clear that Israel is not approaching the talks as a ceasefire discussion. Instead, the focus will remain on disarming Hezbollah. He repeated that the discussions will centre entirely on this objective.
Talks between Israel and Lebanon are set to take place on Tuesday in Washington, with senior officials from the United States taking part.
What we know about the meeting?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join the discussions. The meeting will be held at the United States Department of State. The American delegation will also include US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and State Department counsellor Michael Needham.
The Israeli and Lebanese sides will be represented by their ambassadors, Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh.
According to officials, the talks will aim to move forward dialogue focused on ensuring long-term security along Israel’s northern border, while also supporting Lebanon’s efforts to fully reassert control over its territory and political system.
Hezbollah rejects talks
However, Hezbollah has strongly opposed the negotiations. Senior official Wafiq Safa said the group would not follow any agreement that comes out of these talks. He stated that Hezbollah is neither interested in nor concerned with the outcomes of the meeting.
Separately, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem urged Lebanon to withdraw from the talks altogether. His remarks came in a televised address just before the meeting.
The current round of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel. This came after earlier strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,055 people, including 252 women, 165 children and 87 medical workers. Another 6,588 people have been injured, and more than one million have been displaced.
Lebanon’s position
The Lebanese government has said it is committed to disarming Hezbollah and had earlier called for direct talks with Israel. Israel approved such discussions last week.
The meeting in Washington is significant as it marks the first time in decades that representatives from Lebanon and Israel, countries without formal diplomatic ties, will meet face-to-face for direct talks.
