Lebanon and Israel to resume talks to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Lebanon and Israel are holding a second round of direct talks in Washington to discuss extending a ceasefire and future negotiations, marking only the second such meeting between the two countries in 30 years.
- Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad will propose extending the 10-day truce and demand an end to Israeli home demolitions in occupied villages, while also preparing for broader talks aimed at ending Israeli attacks and troop presence in Lebanon.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that Hezbollah remains the main obstacle to peace, calling for Lebanon to disarm the Iranian-backed militant group and describing Lebanon as a "failed state."
- The recent conflict began after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, leading to a heavy Israeli military response and occupation of a buffer zone in southern Lebanon; the war resulted in approximately 2,300 Lebanese deaths and displaced over 1 million people.
- Despite Hezbollah's rejection of the talks and refusal to abide by any agreements, Lebanon's government hopes the negotiations will lead to a permanent end to hostilities and greater stability in the region.
