U.S. to Lead Ceasefire Talks Between Lebanon and Israel in D.C.

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

The U.S. is set to host critical diplomatic negotiations in Washington next week, aiming to establish a ceasefire in Lebanon. This move comes as Israeli forces continue airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah positions, a campaign that has also resulted in civilian fatalities within Lebanon. The three-way talks will be spearheaded by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, alongside Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, according to sources familiar with the matter. This diplomatic push is framed as a crucial step towards initiating direct dialogue between the involved parties.

A State Department official confirmed that representatives from Lebanon and Israel will convene at the department premises. This development occurs amidst heightened regional tensions, where Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket fire into Israel following the Israeli offensive. Lebanon has become a particularly challenging aspect of the broader diplomatic landscape involving the U.S. and Iran. Iranian officials have voiced criticism, accusing the U.S. of hindering diplomatic progress. The U.S. position on a regional ceasefire, which was initially understood to include Lebanon, has seen shifts. Mediators and regional leaders had believed the ceasefire agreement encompassed Lebanon, a stance that was publicly announced. However, subsequent communications, including a call between Israeli and U.S. leadership, appear to have influenced the U.S. stance, complicating the path to a lasting resolution.