Lebanon & Israel Hold Talks in Washington: Will Direct Negotiations End War?
Lebanon & Israel Hold Talks in Washington: Will Direct Negotiations End War?
Against a backdrop of military escalation, Washington is hosting a meeting on Tuesday between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors, aiming to establish dialogue between the two sides following the resumption of hostilities in March.
Sputnik Africa summarizes what you need to know before the talks begin:
These US‑mediated discussions mark the first open and direct diplomatic contact between the two parties since 1993; their goal is to support Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensure the security of Israel’s northern borders.
Lebanon insists on an immediate ceasefire; Israel has so far refused to address this issue, focusing instead on Hezbollah’s disarmament and the security of its northern border.
The plan proposed by Israel includes:
🟠Dividing southern Lebanon into security sectors;
🟠A temporary Israeli military presence in the border area;
🟠Subsequent transfer of control to the Lebanese army after Hezbollah’s military infrastructure is dismantled.
Hezbollah’s position: The movement strongly opposes the talks, which are taking place during active fighting; its secretary‑general, Naïm Qassem, called them "absurd."
Mahmoud Comati, Vice‑President of Hezbollah’s Political Council, told Sputnik:
"We do not expect any positive outcome for Lebanon from these negotiations. We categorically reject any direct contact between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy, and we will never accept it."
Video shows Israeli strikes targeting villages in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon.
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