Lebanon to Demand Ceasefire from Israel at Washington Talks

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.