The United States is set to host a second round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel on Thursday, as both sides continue rare negotiations despite ongoing tensions in the region. The meeting at the State Department follows a fragile ceasefire that took effect last week after days of intense violence.
This renewed dialogue builds on an initial round held on April 14, marking the first direct contact between Lebanese and Israeli officials in decades. While Washington has praised the discussions as constructive and says it will continue facilitating them, the talks remain controversial within Lebanon.
President Joseph Aoun defended the negotiations, stressing they reflect strength and responsibility rather than compromise. He emphasized that Lebanon is committed to protecting its people and sovereignty through all available means. However, Hezbollah has strongly opposed the process, calling it a series of concessions and insisting such decisions require national consensus.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon have continued, raising concerns about its durability. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain complicated by broader regional dynamics, including Iran’s involvement and differing views on how Lebanon should be represented in negotiations.
