WASHINGTON — Israeli and Lebanese delegations resumed U.S.-mediated talks in Washington on Tuesday aimed at advancing a ceasefire and longer-term arrangements along their border.
The discussions, hosted by the U.S. State Department, represent the latest round in ongoing negotiations between the two countries, following earlier trilateral meetings that produced agreements on ceasefire implementation earlier in June.
U.S. officials described the meetings as part of efforts to build on a recent ceasefire understanding involving Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah. The talks are scheduled to continue through the week, with sessions expected on June 23 and 25.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ahead of the talks, underscoring that Lebanon’s bilateral negotiations with Israel represent the only feasible path to reconstruction, economic recovery and ending recurrent cycles of violence, according to a State Department statement.
The negotiations focus on issues including troop withdrawals, Hezbollah disarmament in southern Lebanon and deployment of the Lebanese army in border areas. Earlier rounds led to agreements on "pilot zones" free of unauthorized weapons and steps toward Lebanese army control in certain sectors.
A senior U.S. official said the talks aim to make progress toward a lasting peace, building on prior understandings reached in Washington.
Lebanese officials have emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli representatives have stressed security arrangements to prevent future attacks from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has in the past rejected certain aspects of agreements reached between the Lebanese government and Israel, demanding fuller Israeli withdrawals. Details of Hezbollah’s current position on the latest talks remain unclear.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated in 2024 alongside broader regional tensions, leading to significant displacement and destruction in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Multiple ceasefire attempts have been made since then, with periods of relative calm interrupted by violations.
"These talks are an important step forward," a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy.
The delegations include senior diplomats and security officials from both sides. Further details on specific proposals under discussion were not immediately released.
The talks come amid separate U.S. efforts on regional de-escalation, including understandings involving Iran. No immediate breakthroughs were announced on Tuesday, and officials said negotiations were continuing.
The latest status of the ceasefire on the ground remains subject to monitoring by U.S. and other international mechanisms.
