Seven killed in Israel-Lebanon conflict amid ongoing US peace talks

US Hosts Talks Between Israeli and Lebanese Officials Amid Ongoing Conflict

A delegation of officials from Israel and Lebanon met at the State Department in Washington, DC, for a third round of direct negotiations this year. The talks come as tensions between the two countries remain high, with ongoing ceasefire violations in Lebanon.

Ambassadors from both countries arrived at the State Department on Friday morning, following a productive and positive discussion on Thursday that lasted eight hours. Details of the conversation were not disclosed by US officials.

On the same day, Israel launched new attacks on Lebanon, killing at least seven people in the south. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 2,951 fatalities since March 2, when fighting between Israel and Hezbollah reignited. Since then, Israel has lost 20 troops, including a soldier killed in fighting with Hezbollah.

Lebanese officials have been pushing for an end to Israeli attacks and occupation of its territory, while Israel is focused on the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah and a potential normalization agreement. The talks are significant, being face-to-face and the third round this year.

Presidential Special Envoy Simon Karam from Lebanon and Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin from Israel are participating in the discussions. US President Donald Trump had encouraged a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but Lebanon has refused so far.

The talks come as Lebanon seeks to balance US pressure with its desire to stop Israel’s attacks without appearing to concede too much. Hezbollah and its allies have expressed opposition to indirect talks, citing concerns that they would not address the root causes of the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera