US Announces Direct Talks Between Lebanon and Israel Set for Thursday

US to Host Second Round of Talks Between Lebanon and Israel

The US Department of State has confirmed that a second round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel will take place on Thursday at the State Department. The talks come as the two countries continue to engage in direct discussions despite regional tensions.

A spokesperson for the State Department stated that the US welcomes the productive engagement that began on April 14, indicating that the country will continue to facilitate good-faith discussions between the two governments.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reiterated his commitment to negotiations with Israel, stating that they are not a sign of weakness but rather a decision based on Lebanon’s rights and responsibility to protect its people. Hezbollah has expressed opposition to the talks, describing them as “losing concessions” that the Lebanese government is making to Israel.

Despite a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, Israeli military operations have continued in southern Lebanon, with Israeli officials stating their intention to replicate the destruction of entire towns in Gaza. The Lebanese government has pushed for separate negotiations, while Iran has emphasized the need for Lebanon’s inclusion in broader truce talks.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump stated that he had prohibited Israel from attacking Lebanon, but Israeli attacks have continued. Hezbollah responded by detonating an explosive device against a convoy of Israeli military vehicles near the town of Deir Siriane. The second round of talks between Lebanon and Israel is set to take place on Thursday at the State Department.

Source: Al Jazeera