Historic negotiations begin amid regional tensions and diplomatic rifts.
The United States is set to host landmark peace talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, marking a rare diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
The meeting, brokered by Donald Trump, will take place at ambassador level and be hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks aim to build on a fragile ceasefire and explore pathways to de-escalation.
Notably absent from the negotiations is France, despite its historical ties to Lebanon. Reports indicate Israel requested France’s exclusion, citing concerns over its neutrality and recent positions on regional conflicts.
French President Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism for his stance on the ongoing crisis, including calls for Israel to halt attacks in Lebanon. His position has reportedly strained relations with Israeli officials ahead of the talks.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high on the ground. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has urged Lebanon to withdraw from the discussions, describing them as ineffective and reaffirming the group’s opposition to Israel.
The talks come amid a wider regional conflict involving Iran and its allied groups, with recent hostilities spilling into Lebanon. Efforts to stabilize the situation have intensified as global powers push for dialogue.
While expectations remain cautious, the Washington meeting represents a significant diplomatic step in a long-standing conflict.
The outcome could shape the next phase of relations between Israel and Lebanon.