WASHINGTON, June 23 (ANI) — Israel and Lebanon are set to hold another round of talks in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday (local time) amid ongoing regional tensions.
Citing a State Department official, CNN reported that the fifth round of U.S.-mediated talks will include discussions on both political and military issues, as Washington seeks progress toward a comprehensive peace and security agreement following the conclusion of the initial phase of negotiations under the U.S.-Iran 14-point memorandum of understanding.
The meetings come amid a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, where alleged violations involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces have raised concerns about renewed escalation. The discussions are part of broader U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
The fifth round is expected to focus on advancing a framework for a long-term settlement, with officials aiming to build on progress made in earlier rounds held in Washington, D.C.
The fourth round of face-to-face talks earlier this month brought together senior diplomatic representatives from both countries, even as cross-border tensions continued. Israel was represented by its ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, while Lebanon was represented by its envoy to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad. Daniel Holler, a senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also participated in the discussions.
Following earlier rounds, Rubio said Israel and Lebanon could potentially reach a peace agreement within days, arguing that Hezbollah remains the primary obstacle. He also stated that Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon and linked Hezbollah’s influence to Iranian support.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would continue to prioritize national security, stating that Israeli forces would remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon regardless of any agreement. He also reaffirmed that Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons under his leadership.
U.S. President Donald Trump, responding to questions about the negotiations, said he would not disclose specific strategies but expressed confidence in resolving the conflict.
“I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do, but it gets solved. I’m a problem solver. I get problems solved real fast, including with Bibi,” Trump said.
The diplomatic efforts come amid growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, which some U.S. officials warn could complicate ongoing negotiations linked to the broader U.S.-Iran understanding.
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