US hosts Israel-Lebanon talks in first high-level meeting since 1993, sides agree to future direct negotiations

The U.S. State Department convened a trilateral meeting on Tuesday, bringing together senior officials from the United States, Israel, and Lebanon in what was described as a first major high-level engagement between the two countries since 1993.

A joint statement said the discussions were “productive” and focused on steps toward launching direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

The United States welcomed the talks, calling them a historic milestone and expressing support for continued negotiations.

“The United States congratulated the two countries on this historic milestone and expressed its support for further talks, and for the Government of Lebanon's plans to restore the monopoly of force and to end Iran's overbearing influence. The United States expressed its hope that talks can exceed the scope of the 2024 agreement and bring about a comprehensive peace deal. The United States expressed its support for Israel's right to defend itself from Hezbollah's continued attacks. The United States affirmed that any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track. The United States underscored that these negotiations have the potential to unlock significant reconstruction assistance and economic recovery for Lebanon and expand investment opportunities for both countries.”

According to the statement, Israel expressed support for disarming armed groups in Lebanon and signaled readiness for direct negotiations.

“The State of Israel expressed its support for disarming all non-state terror groups and dismantle all terror infrastructure in Lebanon and expressed its commitment to working with the Government of Lebanon to achieve that goal to ensure security for the people of both countries.  Israel expressed its commitment to engage in direct negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues and achieve a durable peace that will strengthen security, stability and prosperity in the region.”

Lebanon, for its part, emphasized the need to fully implement the November 2024 cessation of hostilities and called for measures addressing the humanitarian situation.

“The State of Lebanon reaffirmed the urgent need for the full implementation of the cessation of hostilities announcement of November 2024, underscoring the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty, while calling for a ceasefire and concrete measures to address and alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis that the country continues to endure as a result of the ongoing conflict.”

The statement concluded that “all sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue.”