Israel and Lebanon resume negotiations in Washington amid US-Iran talks

The town of Srifa, which was heavily damaged by Israeli military strikes, in southern Lebanon, on June 18, 2026. ABDULMONAM EASSA FOR LE MONDE The Lebanese state faces a dilemma: How can it benefit from the ceasefire currently in place in Lebanon, which Iran secured under the memorandum of understanding it signed with the United States, yet also avoid letting Iran and its protégé, the Shiite political party Hezbollah, dictate their terms in the post-war period? How can Beirut take back the initiative through direct negotiations with Israel in Washington, which Hezbollah has rejected, yet also avoid being trapped in an impasse by Israeli demands? The fifth session of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon took place in Washington from Tuesday, June 23, to Thursday, June 25, with the Lebanese state attempting to both regain control of the ceasefire process and restore its sovereignty in the face of its two opponents: Hezbollah and Israel. Since March 2, Israeli military operations have killed more than 4,100 people in Lebanon, the majority of whom were civilians, while the Israeli army reported that 36 of its soldiers had died. You have 87.14% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.