Israel and Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks in Decades as Fighting Continues on Northern Front

 Israel and Lebanon held direct negotiations in Washington on Tuesday for the first time in more than four decades, signaling a rare дипломатית opening even as fighting continued along the northern border.

The talks, mediated by the United States, focused on a potential long-term arrangement that could include a ceasefire, border demarcation, and efforts to curb the influence of Hezbollah.

U.S. Pushes for Long-Term Framework

Leading the discussions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the goal extended beyond immediate de-escalation.

“This is not just about ceasefires, but about trying to bring about a permanent end to decades of Hezbollah’s influence in this region,” Rubio said, adding that both Israel and Lebanon have suffered from the group’s actions.

He acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, noting that a comprehensive solution would not emerge quickly but expressing hope that the talks could establish a framework for future progress.

Israel’s ambassador: talks were excellent

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, described the talks as “excellent,” emphasizing discussions around a long-term vision that would include a clearly defined border between the two countries.

He said the dialogue reflected a shared interest in reducing Hezbollah’s influence, calling it “a victory of responsibility and of peace.”

Leiter also criticized France’s role in Lebanon, saying Israel preferred to limit external involvement in the process.

Lebanon Focuses on Ceasefire Conditions

According to Lebanese media reports, President Joseph Aoun coordinated positions with his country’s delegation ahead of the talks, emphasizing a firm stance on achieving a ceasefire.

Reports indicated that diplomatic tensions remained evident, including the absence of a handshake between representatives at the opening of the meeting.

Fighting Continues Along the Border

Even as negotiations were underway, hostilities persisted. Shortly after the talks began, air raid sirens sounded in several northern Israeli communities, including Kiryat Shmona, Misgav Am, Dishon, Malkiya, and Margaliot, following rocket launches from Lebanon.

The Israeli military has warned of continued and possibly increased fire from Hezbollah positions, while maintaining ongoing ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Strategic Calculations Behind the Talks

A senior U.S. official said the negotiations were a direct consequence of Hezbollah’s actions and described them as the first high-level, direct diplomatic engagement between Israel and Lebanon since the early 1990s.

The discussions are expected to focus on long-term security arrangements along Israel’s northern border and support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to reassert sovereignty over its territory.

Israeli officials, however, remain skeptical about Beirut’s ability to enforce any agreement on Hezbollah.

War and Diplomacy Proceed in Parallel

Israeli sources suggested that the talks serve not only diplomatic purposes but also strategic ones—providing international legitimacy for continued military operations while potentially deepening divisions between Hezbollah and its Iranian backers.

“There is no contradiction between negotiations and fighting,” one Israeli source said. “Diplomacy can reduce international pressure while military operations continue.”

A Fragile Opening Amid Ongoing Conflict

The simultaneous pursuit of negotiations and military action underscores the complexity of the current moment. While the talks represent a rare diplomatic channel, the continued exchange of fire highlights the fragility of any potential breakthrough.

Whether the discussions can translate into a lasting agreement remains uncertain, as both sides navigate the competing pressures of war and diplomacy.