Israel And Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks Since 1993 Against Hezbollah

Israel and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks since 1993 on April 14, 2026.

“Toggle Play What you need to know about Israel’s ambassador to the US Israel’s ambassador to the US has held talks with his Lebanese counterpart”

Al Jazeera

The meeting lasted over two hours and included Israeli Ambassador Leiter, Lebanese Ambassador Moawad, and US Secretary of State Rubio.

Al Jazeera

Ambassador Leiter described the outcome as a shared position against Hezbollah.

The U.S. State Department called the talks productive and said both sides agreed to continue direct negotiations.

Israeli Ambassador Leiter made clear Israel's intent to exclude France from the negotiations.

He said the French are not needed and not a positive influence, particularly not in Lebanon.

India Today

France joined 17 countries calling on Lebanon and Israel to seize the opportunity presented by the talks.

Ambassador Leiter's exclusion of France reflects a broader tension between Israel and its European allies.

The talks focused heavily on Hezbollah's disarmament, a central Israeli demand.

“At the opening of the direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter was questioned on French participation in the negotiations”

Israel National News

Israel has ruled out a ceasefire prior to talks.

Lebanon called for a truce as a precondition.

Hezbollah opposed the talks and was not represented.

All parties agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place.

Washington affirmed Israel's right to defend itself.

The Jerusalem Post

Israel reaffirmed its commitment to work with Lebanon to disarm non-state armed groups.

Lebanon's ambassador stressed the urgent need to fully implement the November 2024 ceasefire.