Israel, Lebanon agree to direct talks after US‑hosted meeting

The United States, Israel and Lebanon agreed to begin direct negotiations after a trilateral meeting at the State Department in Washington on Tuesday, a State Department statement said. The meeting was hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and attended by Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. “All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue,” the statement said. The US expressed hope that talks could exceed the scope of the 2024 agreement and bring about a comprehensive peace deal.

Disarmament and Sovereignty

Israel expressed support for disarming non‑state armed groups and dismantling militant infrastructure in Lebanon, while committing to direct negotiations to achieve that goal. Lebanon reaffirmed the urgent need for full implementation of the November 2024 deal, stressed territorial integrity and sovereignty, and called for a ceasefire and concrete measures to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. The talks come despite ongoing Israeli air and ground offensives in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah after a cross‑border attack on 2 March.

Hezbollah Rejection and Civilian Toll

Hezbollah has rejected the planned negotiations, calling them “futile” and urging the Lebanese government to focus on confronting Israeli aggression. According to Lebanese health authorities, at least 2,089 people have been killed and 6,762 injured in the Israeli assault. Türkiye, which has consistently condemned attacks on civilians and called for de‑escalation, continues to support diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and prevent further bloodshed.