Leiter called the outcome a “crushing victory over Hezbollah” and stressed that both countries agree the group’s influence must end. He also outlined a long-term vision of peaceful borders and economic cooperation.
‘On Hezbollah… we’re on the same side’: Israeli Ambassador to US Yechiel Leiter after meeting Lebanese counterpart in US
In a striking development after decades of conflict, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, today said Israel and Lebanon have found rare common ground on confronting Hezbollah, following a landmark meeting in Washington that could open the door to direct engagement between the two adversaries.
Leiter said the discussions with Lebanon’s Ambassador, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, revealed an unexpected alignment. “We are on the same side,” he said, calling the outcome a “crushing victory over Hezbollah” and stressing that both countries agree the group’s influence must end. He also outlined a long-term vision of peaceful borders and economic cooperation.
Advertisement
Advertisement
He said, “We are on the same side, we and the Lebanese, that the evil of Hezbollah must be eradicated. We are united in this need. We talked about possibilities, a vision for the long term, about how Lebanon can prosper, and what the border could look like when crossed in a swimsuit to vacation on the beaches of both countries.”
The meeting, hosted by the United States, marked the first high-level engagement between Israel and Lebanon since 1993. The two-hour talks signalled a potential shift in relations between countries long divided by conflict, border disputes and the presence of Hezbollah. Officials said the discussions could pave the way for direct negotiations, with both sides showing willingness to work toward a ceasefire, security coordination and a broader peace framework.
#WATCH | Washington DC | US Secretary of State Marco Rubio joins working-level peace talks with Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad at the Department of State
(Source: State TV via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/WolLgtDLXa
— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2026
The talks were led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who termed the moment as a “historic opportunity” to move beyond temporary ceasefires.
Rubio said the effort is aimed at reducing Hezbollah’s influence and bringing stability to the region, while cautioning that progress would take time and sustained diplomacy.
Washington welcomed the outcome and confirmed that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin direct negotiations at a mutually decided time and place. The US also backed Lebanon’s efforts to restore state control and limit external influence.
Israel maintained that it will not accept continued attacks on its territory and emphasised the need to dismantle militant infrastructure in Lebanon.
Leiter said Israel remains open to direct talks but made clear that any lasting peace would depend on disarming non-state armed groups. He also pointed to the potential for wider economic and security cooperation if an agreement is reached.
Lebanon stressed the need to fully implement the November 2024 ceasefire framework, highlighting the importance of territorial integrity and state sovereignty.
It also called for urgent steps to address the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing hostilities. Lebanese officials supported continued dialogue and agreed to move forward with structured negotiations.
The talks come as clashes continue in southern Lebanon, underlining the fragile situation on the ground. The outcome of these negotiations could shape broader regional efforts to maintain stability. Despite deep divisions, both sides signalled cautious optimism, raising the possibility of a diplomatic opening after decades of hostility.
Advertisement
