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Diplomacy · Hezbollah · Israel · Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated direct negotiations with Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and normalize relations, with talks expected to commence next week at the US State Department in Washington, following repeated requests from Lebanon.
Netanyahu's directive came after a cabinet meeting, appointing Israel’s ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, to lead the discussions. These talks proceed amid ongoing fighting and rocket attacks from Lebanon, highlighting the complex security environment.
A senior Lebanese official told Reuters that Lebanon supports a temporary ceasefire to facilitate negotiations, emphasizing the need for the United States as a guarantor for any agreement. While Israel hopes for diplomatic and military success in disarming Hezbollah, Israeli officials acknowledge that military force alone cannot achieve this objective without occupying Lebanon.
The specific Lebanese delegation remains unconfirmed, with possibilities including Ambassador Nada Moawad or the country's ceasefire committee envoy.
