Israel Lebanon Talks: After decades, direct talks have started between Israel and Lebanon. This important meeting going on in the US State Department in Washington DC is being seen as a major diplomatic event at the global level. However, meanwhile, Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have further increased the tension, putting the ceasefire in danger.
The meeting between the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon has started in Washington DC. This meeting is being held in the American State Department. Ambassador Nida Amavi from the Lebanese side and Ambassador Yechiel Litter from the Israeli side are involved in the talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also present in this important meeting.
face to face conversation after decades
Israeli and Lebanese officials are holding rare face-to-face talks in Washington on Tuesday, The New York Times reports. There are no formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, hence this meeting is considered very unusual. The ambassadors of both the countries posted in America are involved in this talk and according to the State Department, the US Secretary of State is also participating in it. Meanwhile, Israel has started new attacks in southern Lebanon as part of its broader military campaign against Hezbollah. This increasing conflict has put the existing ceasefire in danger.
‘It’s a process, not a single event’
Before the meeting, Marco Rubio said he hoped the conversation would create a framework for future negotiations. “This is a process, not a single event. The complexities of this issue will not be resolved in the next six hours,” he said.
Protests increased within Lebanon too
This talk taking place in Washington has become a cause of controversy within Lebanon also. Political differences are emerging on this issue in the country. Hezbollah has completely rejected these talks. In recent days, its supporters have taken to the streets of Beirut and demonstrated against this negotiation. This situation has further increased the fear of instability in the country.
When asked before the meeting whether Israel could agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, Rubio said, “It’s not just about that. It’s about eliminating Hezbollah’s influence in the region for the last 20-30 years.” According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 2,124 people have died in Israeli attacks since March 2, while 6,921 people have been injured.