High-level direct talks between Israel and Lebanon are taking place at the U.S. Department of State, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing the negotiations as a potential “historic opportunity” for progress.
Rubio said he hopes the parties can “move forward with a framework” that could lead to something “very positive” and “very lasting,” despite what he described as decades of historical tensions and complex challenges.
He emphasized that the discussions aim to establish a foundation for future progress rather than resolve all issues immediately, noting that “all the complexities of this issue will not be solved in the next six hours,” but that meaningful steps could begin now.
The meeting also includes several senior officials and diplomats, including U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, State Department adviser Mike Needham, Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh, and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter.
Rubio said the goal is to create conditions where the people of Lebanon can have the future they deserve, and the people of Israel can live without fear.
