Joseph Aoun

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah on July 22, 2026, stating that Beirut is mobilizing political and diplomatic efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied southern areas. The visit followed a U.S.-sponsored agreement signed last month, under which Lebanon's army is to disarm Hezbollah and Israeli forces are to withdraw from designated 'pilot zones.' Tensions remain high: the Israeli military said it fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers entered an area outside the agreed pilot zone. Hezbollah has rejected the agreement and refuses to disarm. The war, triggered by Hezbollah's attack on Israel in March 2026, caused widespread destruction in southern Lebanon. Over 700,000 people have returned home in recent weeks, but many residents still await permission to re-enter their villages. President Joseph Aoun also met with U.S. President Donald Trump to stress the need for full Israeli withdrawal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:52 PM UTC

President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will soon strike the Pickaxe Mountain area near Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, a heavily fortified site with deep tunnels. The warning came as Iran attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing its crew to abandon ship, while the U.S. conducted a tenth consecutive night of airstrikes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the war has cost $37.5 billion so far, with 17 U.S. deaths and over 100 injuries since early July. Iran's military command threatened to target U.S. and allied interests if nuclear sites are hit. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed the need for full Israeli withdrawal during talks with Trump, who authorized resumption of direct U.S. flights to Lebanon. Houthi rebels also threatened to blockade Saudi ports, widening the conflict.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:00 AM UTC

President Trump on Tuesday reauthorized US airlines to sell tickets for direct flights to Lebanon, following his White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. The decision ends a more than 40-year ban imposed after Hezbollah terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 in 1985. The move signals a shift in US-Lebanon relations and could impact travel and diplomatic ties. The ban had been in place since the hijacking, which resulted in the death of a US Navy diver. The reauthorization allows airlines to begin selling tickets for direct routes, though operational details remain to be determined.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:58 PM UTC

During a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, President Donald Trump pledged to help Lebanon 'a lot' and announced the resumption of direct US airline flights to Lebanon for the first time since 1985, when the route was suspended after the TWA Flight 847 hijacking. The meeting, the first by a Lebanese president since 2009, focused on securing long-term calm after months of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Trump also discussed a framework agreement for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah disarmament, though implementation in pilot zones faced confusion and a reported incident of Israeli warning shots. Trump suggested he could personally speak with Hezbollah and floated the idea of Syrian intervention, which would be unpopular in Lebanon.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:21 PM UTC

During a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, President Donald Trump pledged to help Lebanon 'a lot' and announced the restoration of direct U.S. airline flights to Lebanon for the first time since 1985, when the route was suspended after the TWA Flight 847 hijacking. The meeting, the first by a Lebanese president since 2009, focused on securing long-term calm after months of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Trump also discussed Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and a framework agreement for Hezbollah disarmament. However, confusion emerged over the implementation of pilot zones for Israeli withdrawal, with conflicting accounts of troop movements and warning shots fired. Trump suggested he could personally speak with Hezbollah and floated the idea of Syrian intervention, though such concepts could embarrass Aoun.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:21 PM UTC

President Trump reacted defensively when a reporter asked if he had a concrete plan for the escalating war with Iran during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the Oval Office. When the reporter noted no signs Iran is ready to stop fighting, Trump claimed Iran 'wants to meet desperately' because they are 'getting decimated,' but offered no specific strategy. The article reports 10 days of back-and-forth strikes between the US and Iran, with Iran holding the Strait of Hormuz and receiving Houthi support. Three US service members have been killed since Friday. The piece also notes rising oil prices and the Pentagon running out of money and weapons, framing the US approach as continued bombing until something changes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:03 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has traveled to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, seeking his pressure to compel a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The visit comes amid internal Lebanese divisions over direct talks with Israel, with Hezbollah opposing both negotiations and disarmament. Israel has begun a gradual withdrawal from two 'pilot zones' as part of a US-brokered agreement, with Lebanese army units moving into Sawtar al-Gharbia. Aoun plans to present a written proposal for his army to secure Hezbollah's weapons arsenal, believing only Trump has the influence to restore Lebanese sovereignty. The article highlights the ongoing Israeli occupation of 60 villages, displacement of 700,000 people, and continued demolitions by Israeli forces.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:50 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has traveled to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump, seeking his pressure on Israel to complete a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The visit comes amid internal tensions in Lebanon, where Hezbollah opposes direct talks with Israel and the government's disarmament plans. Israel currently occupies 60 villages in southern Lebanon, displacing 700,000 people. A pilot withdrawal program has begun in two zones, with Israeli forces leaving Sawtar al-Gharbia and Lebanese army units moving in. Aoun plans to present a written proposal for securing Hezbollah's weapons arsenal, believing only Trump has the influence to restore Lebanese sovereignty against both Iran and Israel. The US-brokered agreement envisions the Lebanese army disarming Hezbollah in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:50 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visits the White House for the first presidential summit in nearly two decades, seeking Donald Trump's assistance to rebuild the country amid a severe financial crisis, ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, and war damage from clashes with Israel. The Economist podcast also covers threats to Red Bull's marketing machine and the declining trend of trophy wives, as age gaps between wealthy men and their spouses shrink. The episode features correspondents Gregg Carlstrom, Vendeline von Bredow, and data journalist Doug Dowson, hosted by Rosie Blau and Jason Palmer.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:31 AM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visits the White House to seek Donald Trump's help in rebuilding Lebanon, marking the first presidential summit in nearly two decades. The country faces a severe financial crisis, a power struggle with Hezbollah, and damage from conflict with Israel. The Economist podcast also covers threats to Red Bull's marketing machine and the declining trend of trophy wives, as the age gap between wealthy men and their spouses shrinks. The episode features correspondents Gregg Carlstrom, Vendeline von Bredow, and data journalist Doug Dowson.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:31 AM UTC

The crisis in Lebanon will move center stage as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House. The meeting is vital for Aoun, who seeks to drain support away from Hezbollah while also demonstrating that he can be trusted to stand up to Israel. The summit underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the delicate balancing act required of Lebanon's leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:00 AM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is seeking assistance from former U.S. President Donald Trump to rebuild Lebanon after devastating conflict. The country faces three major challenges: neutralizing Hezbollah's influence, repairing infrastructure damaged by Israeli airstrikes, and reviving a collapsed economy. Economy Minister Amer Bisat envisions Lebanon reclaiming its historical role as a regional hub for banking, tourism, and trade, potentially benefiting from reconstruction in Syria and Gulf energy projects. The article highlights the complex geopolitical landscape, including U.S.-Iran tensions in Iraq and regional shifts, as Lebanon attempts to attract foreign investment and rebuild.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:03 PM UTC

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urgently called on the United States to pressure Israel to halt ongoing military operations and home demolitions in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire declared in April. With the death toll reaching 2,869 since March and 1.2 million displaced, hostilities persist as Israel maintains a security zone against Hezbollah. Washington is set to host indirect talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives in mid-May. The crisis highlights deep regional tensions, internal Lebanese divisions regarding Hezbollah, and stalled diplomatic efforts involving Iran.

85 reports · 48 sources · Updated Jun 4, 01:37 PM UTC

Israel and Lebanon are engaged in a second day of direct negotiations in Washington, marking the third round of talks aimed at renewing the expiring ceasefire with Hezbollah. US State Department officials described initial discussions as productive, though significant challenges remain regarding Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's disarmament. The militant group, which is not party to the talks, continues to oppose direct engagement with Israel. Violence persists despite the ceasefire, with recent Israeli airstrikes killing civilians in Lebanon and Hezbollah drone attacks injuring individuals in northern Israel. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declined direct meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid political repercussions, preferring to finalize a security deal first. The conflict, reignited in March 2026 following US-Israeli actions against Iran, has resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths in Lebanon. High-level envoys are now leading the negotiations, replacing previous ambassador-level talks, as both sides seek a diplomatic resolution before the current truce expires.

1 reports · 1 sources

A third round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel has commenced in Washington, DC, just days before the expiration of a fragile ceasefire agreement. Lebanese officials express cautious optimism that these two-day ambassador-level talks will yield a new deal to halt hostilities and address critical issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. The negotiations involve higher-level envoys, including Lebanon’s Simon Karam and Israel’s Yossi Draznin, though top leadership from both nations and the US remains absent. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently visiting China with President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, violence persists along the border, with recent Israeli strikes causing casualties in Lebanon. Hezbollah has strongly opposed the direct talks, labeling them as concessions to Israel, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has refused direct contact with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United Nations has welcomed the discussions, urging maximum restraint to prevent further escalation into a broader regional conflict as significant military activity continues in the area.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon and Israel conducted a third round of peace talks in Washington, mediated by US ambassadors, as their current ceasefire approaches its expiration on Sunday. Despite the truce, which began on April 17, violence has persisted, with Israeli airstrikes killing over 400 people in Lebanon during this period. Israel justified recent strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon following a drone incident that wounded civilians. Lebanese officials prioritized ending the destruction and consolidating the ceasefire, while the US emphasized that comprehensive peace requires the disarmament of Hezbollah and the restoration of Lebanese state authority. Notably, high-level US officials, including President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were absent due to a state visit to China. Hezbollah continues to reject direct negotiations, viewing them as concessions to Israel. The conflict, triggered in March after retaliatory rocket fire, has resulted in over 2,800 deaths in Lebanon since March 2. These talks aim to break from past failed diplomatic approaches, though significant security disagreements remain between the parties.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israel and Lebanon are engaged in a third round of direct negotiations in Washington, DC, aimed at preserving a fragile ceasefire scheduled to expire soon. The talks, mediated by the United States, focus on establishing a lasting truce and addressing the disarmament of Hezbollah. This diplomatic effort occurs against a backdrop of intensifying violence, with Israeli drone strikes recently killing civilians in southern Lebanon and issuing new evacuation orders. The negotiations have sparked significant internal division within Lebanon; while President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam support direct engagement, Hezbollah and its allies prefer indirect channels. The Lebanese delegation is led by diplomat Simon Karam and includes military attaché General Oliver Hakme, while Israel is represented by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Brigadier General Amichai Levin. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is absent due to other diplomatic commitments, replaced by senior State Department officials and US ambassadors to both nations. These face-to-face meetings follow previous rounds in April, highlighting the urgent but contentious nature of the peace process as regional tensions remain high.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon is set to demand an immediate ceasefire from Israel during high-level face-to-face talks in Washington, according to a senior Lebanese official. These negotiations, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, mark the third meeting between the two sides since hostilities reignited on March 2, despite a U.S.-backed truce declared in April that is due to expire soon. The Lebanese delegation, led by Presidential Special Envoy Simon Karam, will attend despite strong objections from Hezbollah, which continues to exchange fire with Israeli forces. Israel’s team includes Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin and senior military representatives. The talks occur amidst escalating violence, with recent Israeli strikes killing 22 people in Lebanon, while Hezbollah claims attacks on Israeli troops. Key Lebanese demands include implementing a ceasefire, securing a timetable for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and releasing Lebanese prisoners. This diplomatic effort runs parallel to broader U.S.-Iran conflict mediation, as Iran links ending the Lebanon war to wider regional deals. The meetings represent the highest-level contact between Beirut and Tel Aviv in decades, reflecting significant internal political divisions in Lebanon regarding Hezbollah’s role and disarmament.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to commence new peace negotiations in Washington on May 14, 2026, just days before their current ceasefire agreement expires. Despite the truce, which began on April 17, violence has persisted, with Israeli airstrikes killing over 400 people in Lebanon during this period. Recent escalations include Israeli warnings for residents in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate, followed by strikes on Hezbollah targets, and a Hezbollah drone incident that wounded civilians in Israel. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had previously conditioned a historic summit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a security deal and an end to attacks, a meeting that did not occur as predicted by US President Donald Trump. While Hezbollah rejects direct talks as concessions, Lebanese officials aim to consolidate the ceasefire and halt destruction during the upcoming discussions. The broader conflict, triggered in March after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, has resulted in over 2,800 deaths in Lebanon and significant regional instability, frustrating US diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting accord.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon is set to demand an immediate ceasefire from Israel during high-level face-to-face talks in Washington, scheduled for Thursday and Friday. This diplomatic push comes as cross-border hostilities between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel continue, despite a U.S.-backed truce declared on April 16 that is due to expire soon. The upcoming meetings mark the third round of negotiations since fighting reignited on March 2 and represent the highest-level contact between the two nations in decades. Lebanon’s delegation, led by Presidential Special Envoy Simon Karam, will include broader representation than previous sessions, reflecting President Joseph Aoun’s commitment to securing a security agreement and Israeli withdrawal. Conversely, Israel insists on Hezbollah’s disarmament as a fundamental condition for peace. Tensions remain high, with recent Israeli strikes killing 22 people in Lebanon, including eight children, while Hezbollah attacks have injured Israeli civilians. The mediation efforts are occurring parallel to broader diplomacy aimed at resolving the wider U.S.-Iran conflict, with Iran linking an end to the Lebanon war to any potential deal. Both sides are expanding their delegations, signaling the critical nature of these negotiations amidst ongoing violence and significant humanitarian displacement in southern Lebanon.

1 reports · 1 sources

Israeli and Lebanese negotiators are meeting in Washington to attempt to consolidate a fragile ceasefire before its expiration on May 17. This third round of talks occurs amidst escalating violence, with recent Israeli strikes on approximately thirty locations in Lebanon killing at least 22 people. Since the truce began on April 17, over 400 deaths have been recorded. The negotiations follow a previous meeting where former US President Donald Trump extended the truce and expressed hopes for a historic rapprochement, though his proposal for a White House summit with both leaders failed to materialize due to Lebanese security demands. Israel maintains its right to target Hezbollah, which it blames for dragging Lebanon into war following broader regional conflicts involving Iran. Conversely, Lebanon seeks an end to the destruction, while Iran indirectly pressures Washington to ensure the truce protects its ally, Hezbollah. The discussions aim to prevent further humanitarian disaster and stabilize the border region, despite deep-seated mistrust and ongoing military operations that undermine diplomatic efforts.

1 reports · 1 sources

The third round of US-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel commenced in Washington, aiming to solidify a ceasefire and prevent further escalation into full-scale war. These talks occur under significant pressure as the Israeli army has intensified attacks on Lebanese territory despite the ceasefire implemented on April 17. Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, prioritize making the ceasefire permanent, securing Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, and deploying the Lebanese army to the southern border. Conversely, Hezbollah opposes direct negotiations, advocating for indirect methods to avoid conceding advantages to Israel. The discussions involve key diplomats such as Lebanon’s Former Ambassador Simon Karam and Israel’s Ambassador Yehiel Leiter. Since the ceasefire began, approximately 380 people have died in Israeli strikes, complicating diplomatic efforts. The US State Department aims to establish a framework for permanent peace, border determination, and humanitarian reconstruction. This critical diplomatic engagement seeks to balance immediate security concerns with long-term sovereignty and stability goals for Lebanon, while navigating internal political divisions and ongoing military hostilities.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold new peace negotiations in Washington as their current ceasefire nears expiration. Despite the truce, violence has escalated, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting 22 deaths, including eight children, from intensified Israeli airstrikes on the eve of the talks. Over 400 people have died during the ceasefire period, which began in April. The upcoming discussions aim to consolidate the ceasefire and address security concerns, though key US figures like President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend due to other commitments. Instead, US ambassadors to Israel and Lebanon, along with aides, will mediate. Lebanon seeks an end to hostilities, while Israel insists on disarming Hezbollah. Tensions remain high as Hezbollah continues retaliatory attacks following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged regarding a alleged secret visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, which both Israel and the UAE denied. The conflict continues to destabilize the region and impact the global economy.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to commence new peace negotiations in Washington on May 14, 2026, amidst a deteriorating ceasefire that is set to expire. Despite the truce, which was previously extended by U.S. President Donald Trump, violence has persisted, with Israeli airstrikes killing over 400 people in Lebanon since April 17. On the eve of the talks, 22 civilians, including eight children, were reported killed in recent attacks targeting southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanese officials aim to consolidate the ceasefire and halt further destruction during the discussions. The conflict remains deeply intertwined with broader regional tensions, particularly involving Hezbollah and Iran, following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader earlier in the year. While President Trump had hoped for a historic summit between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, preconditions regarding security deals and an end to attacks have delayed such a meeting. Meanwhile, diplomatic friction continues as conflicting reports emerge regarding a alleged secret visit by Netanyahu to the UAE, which Emirati authorities have denied. The ongoing war has caused significant humanitarian casualties and economic disruption across West Asia.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to commence new peace negotiations in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, coinciding with the impending expiration of their current ceasefire. Despite the truce being technically active, violence has persisted, with Israeli airstrikes killing 22 people, including eight children, in Lebanon just before the talks. The National News Agency reported attacks on approximately 40 locations in southern and eastern Lebanon. This marks the third round of discussions between the nations, which lack diplomatic relations. Previous efforts included a White House meeting in April where US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire extension and predicted a historic summit, which did not materialize due to ongoing security concerns. Since the ceasefire began on April 17, over 400 people have died in Lebanese strikes, contributing to a total death toll exceeding 2,800 since March. The United States emphasizes that comprehensive peace requires the disarmament of Hezbollah and the restoration of Lebanese state authority. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Israel vows to continue targeting Hezbollah, and Iran demands a lasting ceasefire before broader war resolutions. The conflict continues to destabilize the region and impact the global economy.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to commence new peace negotiations in Washington, D.C., as their current ceasefire agreement nears expiration. Despite the truce, which was extended through Sunday following a White House meeting in April, violence has intensified. Israeli airstrikes have killed over 400 people in Lebanon during the ceasefire period, including 22 deaths reported on the eve of the talks. Hezbollah continues retaliatory attacks following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, while Israel vows to dismantle the group. The upcoming two-day talks at the State Department will be mediated by US ambassadors Mike Huckabee and Michel Issa, along with aide Mike Needham, as President Trump visits China. Lebanon aims to consolidate the ceasefire and end destruction, whereas the US insists on Hezbollah's disarmament and the restoration of Lebanese state authority. This marks the third round of discussions between the nations, which lack diplomatic relations. Tensions remain high as regional instability impacts the global economy, and conflicting reports emerge regarding Israeli diplomatic movements in the UAE.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanese and Israeli delegations are scheduled to begin a third round of peace talks in Washington on Thursday, just days before their current ceasefire is set to expire. Despite the truce, which began on April 17, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, killing over 400 people according to Lebanese authorities. The negotiations aim to consolidate the ceasefire and address security concerns, particularly regarding Hezbollah's presence and disarmament. Previous efforts, including a proposed summit between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, failed due to ongoing violence. The United States, acting as mediator, emphasizes that lasting peace requires restoring Lebanese state authority and eliminating terrorist threats. Notably, high-level US officials like President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will not attend, with lower-ranking diplomats leading the discussions. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Israel continues its military campaign against Hezbollah, citing retaliation for attacks linked to Iran. The conflict has caused significant regional instability, impacting global economies and resulting in thousands of casualties in Lebanon since March.

1 reports · 1 sources

Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon commenced in Washington on May 14, 2026, under tense circumstances as violent clashes continue to undermine diplomatic efforts. Despite a ceasefire agreement established on April 17, hostilities have intensified, with Israeli strikes killing twenty-two people in Lebanon recently, including eight children. Since the truce began, over 400 Lebanese civilians and five Israeli soldiers have died. The Israeli military currently occupies six percent of Lebanese territory, designating it a security zone, and has damaged or destroyed more than 10,000 homes. The Lebanese delegation, led by Simon Karam, aims for a total and lasting ceasefire. Karam faces Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both delegations operate under significant pressure: Israel shows little incentive to compromise, while Lebanon struggles with the inability to disarm Hezbollah. The talks, scheduled for two days, are viewed as difficult due to the ongoing deadly escalation between the Israeli army and the Shiite movement, casting doubt on the potential for immediate resolution or stable peace agreements.

1 reports · 1 sources

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to commence new peace negotiations in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, coinciding with the impending expiration of their current ceasefire. Although the truce, extended by US President Donald Trump in late April, is technically active, it has been marred by continued Israeli airstrikes that have resulted in over 400 deaths since mid-April. The upcoming talks at the State Department aim to consolidate the ceasefire and address security concerns, particularly regarding Hezbollah's disarmament and the restoration of Lebanese state authority. Unlike previous high-profile meetings at the White House, this round will be mediated by US ambassadors Mike Huckabee and Michel Issa, along with aide Mike Needham, as President Trump visits China. Lebanon seeks an end to violence and destruction, while Israel maintains its campaign against Hezbollah, citing security threats. The US emphasizes that comprehensive peace depends on dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure. This third round of talks occurs amidst heightened tensions, with over 2,800 total casualties reported since March, highlighting the fragile nature of the current diplomatic efforts.

1 reports · 1 sources

The third round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is scheduled to commence in Washington, D.C., marking the first inclusion of military representatives from both sides. These talks, hosted at the State Department, occur just before the expiration of a three-week ceasefire initiated by US President Donald Trump. The Israeli delegation includes Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and IDF Head of Strategy Brig.-Gen. Amichai Levin, while Lebanon is represented by former Ambassador Simon Karam and current Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Mouawad. The United States, represented by officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s adviser, is pressing Beirut to repeal the 1955 law prohibiting normalization with Israel as a condition for continuing the ceasefire. Concurrently, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against Iran, accusing Tehran of interfering in Lebanese affairs and violating international obligations. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has called for a national referendum on direct negotiations with Israel, claiming President Joseph Aoun is being cornered by US diplomatic pressure. The discussions aim to establish a deeper framework for agreement, with subsequent rounds planned for Friday following consultations with leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources