Lebanon, Israel in First Direct Bilateral Talks

Lebanese and Israeli officials will hold their first direct bilateral talks in Washington next Thursday and Friday, aiming to establish a framework for negotiations amid ongoing violations of a fragile ceasefire along their shared border.

The meeting at the US State Department marks the third round of discussions between the two nations, which lack formal diplomatic relations. Lebanon's chief negotiator, Ambassador Simon Karam, is expected to attend, along with other delegation members. Israel will send Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Previous ambassador-level sessions occurred in Washington on April 14 and April 23, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio present at the first and President Donald Trump hosting the second from the Oval Office. Those talks led to a US-mediated ceasefire announced on April 17 and extended until May 17.

Lebanese officials said the discussions will address five key demands: consolidating the ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, resolving border disputes, releasing prisoners, allowing displaced residents to return to their villages, and reconstructing war-damaged...