Lebanon Israel direct talks begin in Washington with US mediation after Hezbollah fighting

Israel and Lebanon began direct diplomatic talks in Washington on Tuesday. The discussions followed more than a month of fighting. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a quick deal was unlikely. Rubio described the meeting as a rare chance to start progress. Hezbollah opposed the talks and was not represented.

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The opening session took place at the State Department. Rubio and US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz attended. The talks were led by US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter also joined. Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad represented Lebanon.

Israel Lebanon talks begin as Rubio urges long-term framework

Rubio said the Trump administration welcomed the chance to host the talks. Rubio warned that long-running disputes would not be solved quickly. "But we can begin to move forward with a framework where something can happen, something very positive, something very permanent, so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve, and so that the people of Israel can live without fear, Rubio said.\"

A State Department official said on Monday that both sides planned to discuss border security. The official also pointed to support for Lebanon taking control of territory. That aim included limiting Hezbollah’s influence on politics. The official spoke on condition of anonymity. The official was not authorised to discuss the talks publicly.

Israel Lebanon talks face Hezbollah opposition and political strain

The Lebanese government said it hoped the talks would lead to an end to the war. Lebanon also insisted it represented itself in the process. Iran set ending wars in Lebanon and the region as a condition for talks with the US. Iran-backed Hezbollah and other critics said Lebanon’s government lacked leverage.

Wafiq Safa, a senior member of Hezbollah’s political council, told The Associated Press the group would not accept outcomes. Hezbollah held strong influence in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The group also controlled wide areas in southern and eastern provinces. Hezbollah-allied politicians held two Cabinet minister positions. Ties later worsened with top authorities.

Lebanon’s top political authorities criticised Hezbollah’s decision to enter the war last month. Authorities later criminalised Hezbollah’s military activities in the country. Hezbollah opposed direct talks as they began in Washington. The group appeared to increase fire towards northern Israel. Incoming strikes triggered repeated drone and rocket sirens near the border.

Israel Lebanon talks unfold amid attacks, deaths and displacement

Hezbollah said it carried out 24 attacks on Tuesday. The claims covered northern Israel and Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 2,124 people. The ministry said hundreds of women and children were among the dead. More than 1 million people were displaced.

The deadliest day came last week, according to the report. Israel launched 100 airstrikes across Lebanon in 10 minutes. The strikes included targets in central Beirut. The attacks killed over 350 people. Some Israeli officials said Israel invaded southern Lebanon. Those officials spoke of a security zone reaching the Litani River.

The Litani River lies about 30 kilometres, or 20 miles, north of the border. Israel’s defence minister said displaced residents from southern Lebanon could not return. The minister said returns depended on demilitarisation. Israel also wanted its northern communities to feel safe. Hezbollah continued firing drones, rockets and artillery daily.

Israel Lebanon talks are first since 1993 as ceasefire remains disputed

The talks were the first between Israel and Lebanon since 1993. Lebanon’s leaders proposed direct talks after Hezbollah fired rockets on March 2. The move was framed as solidarity with Iran. Beirut hoped talks would stop a wider escalation. Israel did not agree until last week, after the broad strike wave.

Beirut said it wanted a truce before talks, according to the report. Israel rejected a ceasefire. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun spoke on Monday about the damage of war. \"Israels destruction of Lebanese territories is not the solution, nor will it yield any results, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday.\" Aoun came to power promising to disarm non-state groups.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke on Tuesday about the dispute. Saar said Israel had no dispute with Lebanon itself. Saar said Hezbollah remained the central issue. \"Hezbollah has also its financial roots, there are a lot of dimensions holding this organization, practically keeping Lebanon under Iranian occupation, Saar said.\" Hezbollah wanted a return to a 2024 indirect process with mediators.

With inputs from PTI