Lebanon and Israel hold major talks hailed as ‘historic opportunity’ after weeks of conflict

WorldPolitics
15 Apr 2026 • 4:04 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic discussions in decades in Washington, facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • Rubio described the meeting as a "historic opportunity" but cautioned against immediate breakthroughs, acknowledging the complex history between the two nations.
  • Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, expressed optimism, citing a "convergence of opinion" on removing Hezbollah's influence, and said the Lebanese government affirmed it “would no longer be occupied by Hezbollah."
  • Hezbollah, which was not represented and opposed the talks, intensified its attacks on northern Israel as discussions commenced, and stated it would not abide by any agreements made.
  • The talks occurred amidst ongoing conflict, with significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon from Israeli strikes, and Israel's military invasion of southern Lebanon to establish a "security zone."

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