15.04.2026 01:13
The meeting between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. Department of State has concluded. Following the meeting, it was announced that the parties have decided to engage in direct negotiations.
The talks held at the U.S. Department of State between Israel and Lebanon, which Israel continued to strike despite a two-week ceasefire, have concluded. The first statement came after the summit.
THEY WILL ENGAGE IN DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS
In the talks mediated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it was announced that Israel and Lebanon have decided to sit at the direct negotiation table for permanent peace. In a joint statement issued by the U.S., Lebanon, and Israel, it was said, "The parties agreed to initiate direct negotiations under U.S. auspices."
U.S. Deputy State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott issued a written statement regarding the talks held in Washington under U.S. mediation, which were recorded as "the highest-level direct talks since 1993." The statement noted that the talks were "very productive," that the U.S. congratulated both countries, and that today's meeting laid a strong foundation for future talks.
The statement emphasized that all parties agreed to begin direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and place.
LEBANON EMPHASIZES TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
The statement included the Lebanese side's expression, referring to Israel's ongoing attacks, "The Lebanese State, while reaffirming the urgent need for the full implementation of the announcement to halt the clashes made in November 2024, emphasized the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty."
"U.S. SUPPORTS ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON HEZBOLLAH"
The statement, which noted that the expectations of the U.S. and Israel regarding Hezbollah were clearly outlined, included the assessment: "The U.S. stated its hope that the talks could go beyond the scope of the 2024 agreement to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. The U.S. also expressed its support for Israel's right to self-defense against Hezbollah's ongoing attacks."
The statement also emphasized that subsequent talks should also be held under U.S. mediation, and mentioned that issues related to possible aid for Lebanon's reconstruction would also be addressed.
Regarding Israel's approach in the talks, the statement included: "The State of Israel expressed its support for the disarmament of all non-state terrorist groups in Lebanon and the elimination of all terrorist infrastructure, and stated its determination to cooperate with the Lebanese Government to ensure the security of the peoples of the two countries."
The talks held at the State Department building were attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz, Department Advisor Michael Needham, U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa, Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanese Ambassador to Washington Nada Hamadeh-Moawad.
ON THE DAY OF NEGOTIATIONS, THEY STRUCK LEBANON
Meanwhile, Israel carried out airstrikes against Lebanon ahead of the critical negotiations. The consecutive attacks raised tensions in the region again.
MULTIPLE POINTS TARGETED
Lebanese media announced that Israel targeted more than a dozen points across the country. Towns in the south were particularly the focus of the attacks.
CASUALTIES RISING
The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that in the attacks, 10 people, including a health worker and a civil defense member, lost their lives, and 6 people were injured.
EMERGENCY TEAMS TARGETED
A statement from the Lebanese side stated that Israel "systematically" targeted emergency workers. It was reported that three separate attacks occurred in the Nabatieh region. It was noted that among those killed were two health workers from the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee.
TENSION ESCALATING
While it is noteworthy that the attacks occurred ahead of the expected Israel-Lebanon talks today, the developments increased concerns about the course of the negotiation process.