Israel and Lebanon to hold second round of talks in US
Talks between Israel and Lebanon will resume in Washington DC, US and Israeli officials say.
Israeli and Lebanese representatives will hold talks in Washington DC, a US State Department spokesperson and an Israeli source speaking on the condition of anonymity have told Reuters.
The US will host the second round of ambassador-level talks between the two countries at the Department of State on Thursday, the State Department spokesperson said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the first round of talks between Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon’s ambassador to the US Nada Moawad - the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in decades - on April 14.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We will continue to facilitate direct, good-faith discussions between the two governments,” the spokesperson said.
The second round of talks will mark the first talks between the two countries since a 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday.
An Israeli official said the same representatives will join Thursday’s talks.
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah opposes the talks but is observing a 10-day ceasefire announced last week.
Israeli officials say the talks are aimed at disarming Hezbollah and reaching a peace agreement with Lebanon.
It comes as US President Donald Trump reiterates that he was not influenced by Israel when deciding to enter was with Iran.
“Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, did,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday.
“I watch and read the FAKE NEWS Pundits and Polls in total disbelief. 90% of what they say are lies and made up stories, and the polls are rigged, much as the 2020 Presidential Election was rigged.
“Just like the results in Venezuela, which the media doesn’t like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing - And if Iran’s new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future!”
with AP
