Israel and Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks in Decades as Middle East Peace Prospects Remain Unclear

New York City, The Financial News — Reporter Lee Byung-chulIsrael and Lebanon have entered into direct talks for the first time in decades.
According to foreign media reports on the 14th (local time), envoys from Lebanon and Israel began direct negotiations in Washington, D.C. that day. It is the first official face-to-face negotiation between the two countries since 1993. The talks are seen as part of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict that has spread across the broader Middle East.
Earlier, the United States of America (US), Israel and Iran agreed to a 14-day ceasefire but failed to establish a long-term peace framework. In particular, the first round of US–Iran talks held in Pakistan ended without results, further weakening momentum for negotiations.
The key sticking point is the Lebanese front. Iran and Pakistan insist that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire, but the United States of America (US) and Israel have refused to accept this. As a result, the issue of Hezbollah, Iran’s key ally, has emerged as the main obstacle to a deal.
The Government of Lebanon has described the talks as preliminary groundwork for future negotiations and is taking a cautious approach. The Ambassador of Lebanon to the United States, who attended the meeting, was reportedly authorized to discuss only the ceasefire issue.
Israel, by contrast, has drawn clear lines around the agenda. Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said, "The focus of these talks is the disarmament of Hezbollah," ruling out discussions on a ceasefire.
The US is also deeply involved in the talks. Foreign minister Marco Rubio described the negotiations as "a historic opportunity to end Hezbollah’s influence," while cautioning that "it will be difficult to resolve such complex issues in a short period of time."
Military tensions have not eased. Israel has refrained from airstrikes on Beirut but continues to attack southern Lebanon. At the same time, it has sent ground forces across its northern border in an effort to secure a buffer zone.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly encircled Bint Jbeil, a key stronghold in southern Lebanon, and are seeking to establish operational control there within days.
The humanitarian crisis is also worsening rapidly. Since the fighting began, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and over one million have been displaced, according to estimates.




pride@fnnews.com Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter