Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad and her Israeli counterpart Yechiel Leiter participated in direct negotiations in Washington D.C. on 14/4, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The meeting, lasting over two hours, aimed to achieve a ceasefire, ending the cross-border conflict between Lebanon and Israel. During a subsequent press conference, Leiter described the meeting as successful, stating that both sides agreed on a long-term vision for a "clearly delineated border between the two countries." He added that discussions would continue in the coming weeks.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Lebanese Ambassador to the US Moawad, Israeli Ambassador to the US Leiter, from left to right. Photo: Reuters

Ambassador Moawad expressed gratitude to the US for hosting and facilitating the discussions, which she characterized as "constructive." Moawad called for a ceasefire to allow displaced citizens to return home, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

The US Department of State announced that this was the first "important high-level" contact between Israel and Lebanon since 1993. Following this "historic" meeting, both parties agreed to initiate direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and location.

The meeting occurred after peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan concluded without success last weekend. President Donald Trump's administration had imposed a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to increase pressure on Iran. Further discussions between the US and Iran might take place in the next two days.

Location of Israel, Lebanon. Graphics: RANE

When the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28/2, Hezbollah, the Iran-backed paramilitary force in Lebanon, retaliated by firing rockets into Israel. Israel then launched intense airstrikes on Beirut, while also commencing a ground operation in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem did not participate in the 14/4 negotiations and had called for the meeting's complete cancellation, deeming it futile. He urged Israel to cease its "aggression," withdraw its troops from Lebanese territory, release prisoners, and permit Lebanese citizens to return home.

Since the US and Iran reached a ceasefire, Israel has intensified its offensive in Lebanon. Iran views Lebanon as an "inseparable part" of any long-term peace agreement, a stance Israel opposes.

Duc Trung (According to The Washington Post, AFP, Reuters)