Israel and Lebanon Hold Peace Talks in Washington

Israeli and Lebanese officials are meeting for a third round of peace talks in Washington. They are discussing how to disarm Hezbollah and improve relations between the two countries. The talks continue, but no major progress has been announced yet.

The Israeli delegation is led by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. Lebanon’s team includes Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Mouawad and former Ambassador Simon Karam.

Israel wants to keep the right to attack Hezbollah until a final agreement is reached. Lebanon, however, demands that Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory, stop airstrikes, and end the destruction of border villages.

The recent conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel. On April 24, US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks and suggested direct talks. Two days later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered stronger attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Since then, Israel reports that it has destroyed several Hezbollah sites and infrastructure, while Lebanon says rockets continue to be launched from its territory.