US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for Israel and Lebanon to seize a “historic opportunity” for peace as talks began in Washington. The talks aim to outline a framework for current and lasting peace.
Pro-Iran Hezbollah, which is battling Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, called the talks futile. The Israeli military warned of an increase in attacks by Hezbollah on Israel’s north during the talks.
Lebanon entered the Iran war on March 2 after a Hezbollah attack. Since then, more than 2,000 people have been killed and over one million displaced due to Israeli strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants Hezbollah’s weapons dismantled and a peace agreement lasting generations. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hopes for an agreement on ceasefire in Lebanon during the talks.
The Trump administration insists on Hezbollah disarmament while respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and Israel’s rights, but experts say expectations are low.