Lebanese and Israeli envoys are set to meet in Washington on Tuesday as Israel continues its military campaign against Hezbollah. The meeting marks a rare diplomatic engagement between two countries technically still in a state of war. The talks come amid escalating regional tensions involving Lebanon, Israel, and Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the meeting between Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese envoy Nada Hamadeh Moawad. Officials described the encounter as a high-level and unusual diplomatic step. It is the first such direct engagement since 1993.
Read more: Lebanon, Israel set to hold high-stakes talks in Washington
Israel has said it will not discuss a ceasefire during the meeting. Instead, it is expected to demand that Lebanon disarm Hezbollah and demilitarise southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have also linked any progress to broader security arrangements and potential peace talks.
Lebanon has called for negotiations but faces internal divisions over Hezbollah’s role. Government representatives say they only have authority to discuss a ceasefire. Hezbollah has rejected any disarmament efforts and urged Beirut to cancel the talks.
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The meeting takes place amid ongoing violence, with thousands reported killed and displaced in Lebanon since the conflict escalated. US officials said Israel’s campaign targets Hezbollah rather than Lebanon as a state. They added that dialogue is aimed at long-term border security and regional stability.