Face-Off in Washington: Lebanon Demands Ceasefire with Israel
Lebanon is demanding Israel ceasefire during face-to-face talks initiated in Washington, amid ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. These discussions aim to disarm Hezbollah, though Hezbollah opposes them. Talks are held with U.S. mediation and symbolize significant, high-level contact between Lebanon and Israel.
Face-to-face talks commenced in Washington on Thursday, where Lebanon is urging Israel for a ceasefire as clashes between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel continue despite a U.S.-brokered truce declared last month. This meeting marks the third such encounter since hostilities resumed on March 2.
Despite opposition from Hezbollah, Lebanese and Israeli delegations aim to disarm Hezbollah, with hopes of advancing toward a peace agreement. Israel's focus remains on neutralizing Hezbollah threats as violence predominantly affects southern Lebanon. The ceasefire previously declared by U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to expire soon.
Fatalities include 22 Lebanese civilians, and fallout from an explosive Hezbollah drone in Israeli territory has prompted retaliatory Israeli strikes. Both countries are now involving broader delegations in these talks, which represent a rare high-level diplomatic engagement, with the U.S. mediating toward a broader solution involving the U.S.-Iran conflict.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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