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Israel and Lebanon ambassadors set for historic meeting in Washington

From Jerusalem Post · (1d ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the US will hold a historic meeting in Washington, D.C., to discuss disarming Hezbollah and normalizing relations.
  • The meeting, involving top US officials, aims to ensure Israel's security and support Lebanon's sovereignty, with the US emphasizing Israel is not at war with Lebanon.
  • While Israel insists on Hezbollah's disarmament as a prerequisite for peace, Lebanon seeks a ceasefire, highlighting ongoing tensions despite reduced Israeli military activity.

In a significant diplomatic development, Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, is set to meet with his Lebanese counterpart, Nada Hamadeh, in Washington. This historic gathering, facilitated by the US State Department and attended by high-ranking American officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signals a potential turning point in the fraught relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The goal is to ensure Israel’s long-term security and to support the Lebanese government’s determination to fully restore its sovereignty over its territory and political life.

— A senior American officialDescribing the objectives of the meeting between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors.

The primary agenda item is the disarmament of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, a key obstacle to peace. However, the broader objective is to pave the way for normalization between Israel and Lebanon. A senior American official underscored the US commitment to Israel's long-term security while also supporting Lebanon's efforts to regain full sovereignty, asserting that dialogue is possible as Israel's conflict is with Hezbollah, not Lebanon itself.

The official added that Israel is not at war with Lebanon, but with Hezbollah, and therefore “there is no reason the two neighbors cannot engage in dialogue.”

— A senior American officialExplaining the US perspective on the conflict and potential for dialogue.

Ambassador Leiter expressed optimism following a recent phone call, suggesting that an agreement could be reached within months if the Hezbollah issue is resolved. He emphasized Israel's willingness to engage in dialogue but firmly stated that a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which continues to attack Israel, is not on the table. Israeli officials maintain that Lebanon has not made a genuine effort to disarm the group, making this US-mediated meeting crucial for advancing that process.

We agreed that if the Hezbollah issue is set aside, the two countries could reach a peace agreement within two to three months. Lebanon and Israel could live under a peace agreement as early as tomorrow.

— Yechiel LeiterExpressing optimism about the potential for peace following a phone call with the Lebanese ambassador.

Despite reduced Israeli military activity in Lebanon following a ceasefire with Iran, tensions persist. Israeli officials have reiterated their right to act if threats are identified, making it clear that no formal ceasefire with Hezbollah is in place. Lebanon's President, Joseph Aoun, has expressed hope that the meeting will lead to a ceasefire and direct negotiations, stressing the need for a mutual response from Israel.

Without Hezbollah’s disarmament, there will be no peace between the two countries.

— An Israeli officialStating Israel's condition for peace with Lebanon.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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