Lebanon-Israel talks enter second day in Washington amid strikes

The fourth round of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel entered its second and final day in Washington on Wednesday at the State Department headquarters, Lebanese sources told Anadolu. The negotiations aim to address border security after weeks of near-daily Israeli strikes that have killed nearly 3,500 people since March 2. A fragile ceasefire took effect on April 17 and was extended until early July, though attacks have continued to claim lives on both sides of the Blue Line.

Netanyahu's escalation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently ordered troops to deepen their incursion into Lebanese territory and called for direct strikes on Beirut, according to an Axios report citing Israeli officials. The Israeli leader was restrained from launching the threatened attacks following a tense telephone exchange with US President Donald Trump, the report stated. The White House has not publicly confirmed details of the call, though Washington continues to press for diplomatic solutions alongside its military support for Israel.

Diplomatic efforts

The US-sponsored negotiations seek to prevent a wider regional war while addressing mutual security concerns that have displaced thousands across southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Washington has positioned itself as the primary mediator between Beirut and Tel Aviv, hosting multiple rounds of talks at Foggy Bottom since the ceasefire took effect in mid-April. The current round marks the fourth such meeting this spring as both sides attempt to stabilise the border region despite continued violations.