US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington on Tuesday (local time), as diplomatic efforts gather pace to stabilise the volatile northern frontier.
The discussions, to be held at the US State Department, come at a time when hostilities remain unresolved on the ground. The focus, according to American officials, is to push forward dialogue that could ensure long-term security along Israel’s northern border while backing Lebanon’s push to reclaim full sovereignty.
The US delegation will include Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and State Department counsellor Michael Needham, CNN reported. Israel and Lebanon will be represented by their ambassadors, Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh.
A US State Department official said the engagement is part of an ongoing diplomatic process. “This conversation will scope the ongoing dialogue about how to ensure the long-term security of Israel’s northern border and to support the Government of Lebanon’s determination to reclaim full sovereignty over its territory and political life,” the official said.
The official stressed that Washington views the conflict as one between Israel and Hezbollah, not Lebanon as a state, signalling room for continued dialogue between the neighbouring countries. “Israel is at war with Hezbollah, not Lebanon, so there is no reason the two neighbours should not be talking,” the official added.
Netanyahu signals conditional peace even as operations continue
The renewed talks follow recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Israel is open to a “real” and lasting peace agreement with Lebanon, even as military operations continue against what he described as Iran-backed forces.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said, “Under my leadership, Israel will continue to fight against Iran’s terrorist regime and its proxies, in contrast to Erdogan, who aids them and even slaughters his Kurdish citizens.”
Reports by Al Jazeera indicate Israel has agreed to begin formal negotiations with Lebanon after weeks of cross-border clashes and a ground incursion into parts of Lebanese territory. In a video address, Netanyahu reiterated that any peace deal must guarantee long-term security and involve the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Iran flags ceasefire concerns, maintains contact with Beirut
Meanwhile, Iran has remained engaged with Lebanon amid the fragile situation. According to Iran’s Fars news agency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has been in constant touch with Beirut to ensure ceasefire commitments are honoured.
Speaking from Islamabad during recent US-Iran talks, Baghaei said Iran had conveyed its position clearly while engaging with Pakistani officials. He also pointed to instances of ceasefire violations, underlining the uncertainty surrounding the situation on the ground.