Lebanon and Israel to Hold New Ceasefire Talks in Washington Amid Escalating Violence

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.