Israel And Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks In Over 30 Years In Washington

Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in more than three decades on April 14, 2026.

The meeting was hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and lasted roughly two hours.

Al Jazeera

All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue.

The talks came as Israel continued its offensive in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.

Hezbollah opposed the talks and was not represented.

Israeli Ambassador Leiter said we discovered today that we’re on the same side of the equation.

We are both united in liberating Lebanon from an occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah.

Anadolu Ajansı

The Lebanese ambassador said the preparatory meeting was constructive.

Israel expressed support for disarming non-state armed groups in Lebanon.

Lebanon reaffirmed the urgent need for the full implementation of the Nov. 2024 deal.

Israel insisted it was at war with Hezbollah, not Lebanon.

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Axios

The Lebanese government prioritized securing some form of ceasefire.

Hezbollah staunchly opposed the negotiations.

The talks presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The meeting came after six weeks of fighting that killed more than 2,100 people in Lebanon.

The talks were part of a broader U.S.-led effort to stabilize the region.

The meeting came amid a shaky two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

Daily Sabah

A U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports was now in effect.

The U.S. expressed hope that talks could bring about a comprehensive peace deal.

Foreign ministers from 17 countries urged Israel and Lebanon to seize the opportunity.

Leiter said the next talks would be in a few weeks in Washington.

Israel was preparing for a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon.

Euronews

The joint statement said Israel expressed its commitment to engage in direct negotiations.

Israeli strikes had killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon.

Expectations were low given the significant gaps.