Direct Talks Begin Between Israel and Lebanon Mediated by the US

April 15, Kathmandu – Under the mediation of US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon engaged in a historic two-hour meeting in Washington. In the highest level of direct dialogue seen since 1993, both countries agreed to advance further direct discussions aimed at a peace agreement. This breakthrough came after US President Donald Trump pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce hostilities, opening the door for talks. Previously, Netanyahu had rejected Lebanon’s proposal for direct negotiations.

According to officials from the US, Israel, and Lebanon, the primary focus of the talks is to reduce Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, disarm the group, and strengthen the Lebanese government. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and called for the full implementation of the November 2024 agreement. She also urged for concrete actions to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter declared that Israel would continue its military operations against Hezbollah. He described both parties as being “on the same side of the equation” in efforts to free Lebanon from Hezbollah’s control, calling the progress a positive achievement. A joint statement issued by the US State Department clarified that any ceasefire agreement must be mediated by the US directly between the two governments and not imposed under Iranian pressure.

While Iranian and Pakistani mediators have claimed that the recent Iran-Israel ceasefire will also apply to Lebanon, the US and Israel have rejected this. The talks are widely viewed as part of a long-term plan to resolve border disputes, establish security agreements, and ultimately sign a comprehensive peace treaty between Israel and Lebanon. This direct dialogue, emerging amid decades of tension and recent intense conflict, marks a significant turning point in Middle East politics.