Lebanon calls Washington meeting with Israel ‘positive’

A preliminary trilateral meeting in Washington brought Lebanese and Israeli envoys together with U.S. facilitators to discuss launching direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The session involved Lebanon's ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh; Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter; U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa; State Department Counselor Michael Needham; and Sen. Marco Rubio, who attended the talks.

The State Department characterized the meeting as “open, direct, high-level.” U.S. officials said these were the first bilateral talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1993 and expressed support for further discussions that could extend beyond the 2024 agreement and lead toward a peace agreement.

Participants agreed in principle to begin direct negotiations at a time and place to be mutually agreed. Lebanon used the session to press for a ceasefire and for measures to address the humanitarian situation affecting civilians. Israel affirmed its commitment to negotiate directly and said it would work to disarm non-state armed groups and dismantle their infrastructure.

Nada Hamadeh described the initial contact as “positive,” reflecting cautious optimism from Beirut as officials consider whether to move from preliminary contacts to formal talks.

Security developments on the ground remained a complicating factor. Israeli strikes and operations continued in southern Lebanon. Analysts note a key obstacle to any durable ceasefire is disagreement over whether Israel must halt operations or whether Iran will require a complete cessation of hostilities in Lebanon as a condition for wider de-escalation.

The Washington meeting coincided with reports that European countries are assembling a coalition to clear mines and escort shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials framed that plan as a post-conflict measure that could limit direct U.S. military involvement to make it more acceptable to Iran.

No firm date or venue was announced for a next round of talks. Diplomats said the session established a baseline for further engagement and placed the United States in a coordinating role as both sides weigh whether to move to sustained, face-to-face negotiations.