Productive U.S.-Brokered Talks Between Israel and Lebanon

The United States facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, described by a State Department official as "productive and positive." The discussions are aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Talks are set to continue amid demands for a ceasefire from Lebanon.

Meetings, which included Lebanese and Israeli envoys alongside U.S. officials, spanned eight hours and are to be followed by more discussions on Friday. Israel seeks the disarmament of Hezbollah as a peace agreement condition, following increased tensions marked by rocket and drone strikes.

The fragile ceasefire, due to expire on Sunday, has seen renewed violence with reported casualties on both sides. As talks progress, Lebanon insists on an Israeli ceasefire, while President Aoun's decision to engage reflects internal divisions over Hezbollah's role. Further meetings are among the highest-level contacts between the nations in decades.

(With inputs from agencies.)