The United States Department of State will host a second round of high-level negotiations between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday, according to a spokesperson who spoke to Anadolu Agency.
The talks, scheduled for April 23, will take place at the State Department and involve ambassador-level representatives from both sides. Officials said the initiative follows what they described as constructive engagement during an earlier round held on April 14.
The State Department emphasized that Washington remains committed to supporting direct and constructive dialogue between the two countries, aiming to reduce tensions and promote stability in the region.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the negotiations are expected to focus on ending hostilities, addressing Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, and enabling the Lebanese army to deploy along internationally recognized borders.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated since early March, when Israeli operations in Lebanon reportedly resulted in around 2,300 deaths, more than 7,500 injuries, and the displacement of over one million people, according to Lebanese authorities.
Former US President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, set to begin at midnight local time in Tel Aviv and Beirut. He also stated that Washington is working to prevent further Israeli strikes as the truce begins to take effect.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel intends to maintain control over areas it occupied in southern Lebanon during recent military operations, signaling continued uncertainty over the ceasefire’s long-term stability.
The upcoming talks in Washington are seen as part of broader international efforts to prevent further escalation and establish a more durable framework for peace between the two neighbors.
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