Lebanon And Israel Hold First Direct Talks Since 1993 Amid Ongoing Hostilities

Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks since 1993.

“The ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel joined United States-brokered talks in Washington, DC, with Lebanese authorities seeking to secure a ceasefire, while Israel’s goal is the disarmament of the Hezbollah armed group”

Al Jazeera

The meeting took place at the US State Department in Washington.

Al Jazeera

Both sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place.

The talks come amid a fragile two-week ceasefire in the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Hezbollah has warned it will not abide by any settlement agreed in Washington.

Israel attended the talks with instructions not to agree to a ceasefire.

Lebanon called for a ceasefire and measures to address the humanitarian crisis.

BBC

The US State Department said Israel and Lebanon had agreed to work towards reducing Hezbollah's influence.

Hezbollah's political council member said the group would not abide by what was agreed.

The central sticking point remains Hezbollah.

The US has been the sole mediator.

“World GMT 08:39 2026-04-15 Israel and Lebanon Agree to Begin Direct Negotiations Following Talks in Washington Share 00:00 00:00 In Washington, D”

CGTN Arabic

Israel's ambassador said they wanted to keep the French as far away as possible.

The US insisted any ceasefire must be negotiated by sovereign governments.

The talks come as the US and Iran continue separate negotiations.

The Israeli Security Cabinet ended a meeting without a decision on a ceasefire.

Experts caution that the path to peace is narrow.

There remains a deep gap between what Israel seeks and what Lebanon can deliver.

Gulf News

The Lebanese government's capacity to confront Hezbollah is limited.

The talks could open the door to substantial aid for reconstruction.

They represent a significant diplomatic development after more than two decades.