Israel and Lebanon have held their first direct talks since 1993
Talks between Israel and Lebanon took place in Washington, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He described the meeting as a historic opportunity to end Hezbollah’s influence, according to the BBC.
A joint US statement noted that the parties had agreed to begin direct talks at a time and place yet to be determined. Israel stated its intention to disarm all non-state armed groups, referring to Hezbollah.
The Lebanese side called for a ceasefire and for measures to be taken to address the humanitarian crisis. There are no diplomatic relations between the countries, and the last talks at this level took place in 1993.
Since 2 March, when Israel launched military operations in Lebanon, over 2,000 people have been killed. This occurred a few days after the US and Israel began striking Iran.
During the talks in Washington, the Hezbollah group claimed responsibility for at least 24 attacks on Israel and Israeli forces on Lebanese territory. Alarm sirens sounded throughout the day in northern Israel due to rockets and drones.
Israel states that its operations are aimed at disarming and eliminating the group. Fighting against it also took place in 2023 and 2024 against the backdrop of the war in Gaza.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the parties had agreed to work towards reducing Hezbollah’s influence. Lebanon also emphasised the need for concrete measures to address the humanitarian crisis.
The US reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to self-defence against Hezbollah attacks.
Marco Rubio said before the start of the talks that the process would take time but held promise.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that the talks would mark the beginning of an end to the suffering of the population, particularly in the south of the country. He noted that the only solution is to transfer responsibility for Lebanon’s security to its armed forces.
At the same time, the Lebanese government’s ability to influence Hezbollah remains limited. Wafic Safa, a representative of the group’s political council, stated that the organisation is not obliged to comply with the agreements reached in Washington.
Hezbollah, founded in 1982, wields significant influence in southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut. Representatives of the group also hold two posts in the government.
Tensions between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah have risen following the group’s involvement in the war between Israel and Iran.
During separate talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan, the Iranian side insisted on including Lebanon in the ceasefire agreement, but the US and Israel did not support this.
According to the US side, the talks between Israel and Lebanon had been planned in advance, even before the meetings with Iran were confirmed.
Over 2,000 people have been killed as a result of the fighting, and around a million have been forced to flee their homes.
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