WASHINGTON (MNTV) — Lebanon is expected to demand an immediate ceasefire from Israel during ongoing US-mediated talks in Washington, as delegations from both countries continue indirect negotiations aimed at limiting Israeli strikes against Lebanese civilians.
A senior Lebanese official said Beirut will insist on a halt to Israeli military operations during the discussions, which began on Thursday and are set to continue into Friday under US mediation.
The meeting brings together Lebanese and Israeli envoys along with US officials and marks the third round of talks since Israel again escalated its strikes on Lebanese towns earlier this year.
The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of continued Israeli cross-border attacks despite a US-backed truce declared in April, which remains fragile and close to expiration.
Lebanese officials said their delegation is focused on securing a verified ceasefire and ensuring its implementation on the ground, while also pushing for broader de-escalation measures.
Israel has stated that the objective of the talks includes the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of a longer-term security arrangement along its northern border while striking civilian infrastructure of Lebanon, killing innocent people and destroying homes.
The discussions come amid ongoing exchanges of fire, with both sides reporting strikes and counterstrikes in southern Lebanon and northern Israel in recent days.
The talks represent one of the highest-level diplomatic engagements between Lebanon and Israel in decades, with expanded delegations including senior military and security officials.
Coming as highly pro-Israel, US officials are continuing to facilitate the process as part of wider diplomatic efforts to stabilize the conflict linked to broader regional tensions.