Israel, Lebanon Resume U.S.-backed Talks On Peace , Security Deal

Representatives of Israel and Lebanon are set to meet in Washington on Thursday and Friday for further U.S.-mediated talks, as tensions remain high over clashes involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The U.S. State Department said the discussions aim to advance a “comprehensive peace and security agreement” addressing the core concerns of both countries.

The talks are also expected to cover the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty, the demarcation of borders, and mechanisms for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Lebanon, according to the State Department.

It was not immediately clear who would represent both sides at the meetings.

The Washington engagements follow two earlier rounds of direct talks held at the ambassadorial level in the United States capital.

Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire in mid-April after an initial round of negotiations.

However, Lebanon is not a direct party to the broader Israel-Hezbollah conflict, as cross-border exchanges between Israel and the Iran-backed group have continued, with fatalities still being reported on a near-daily basis.

Nearly 400 people have been killed in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect, according to reports.

Israel is seeking to lay the groundwork for a longer-term peace arrangement, with a focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah, which has rejected the talks.

The Lebanese government, meanwhile, is calling for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.

Israel maintains that it has established a “security zone” in the area, while Lebanese officials describe the presence as an occupation.

The first round of negotiations was held on April 14, marking the first direct political-level talks between the two countries in decades.