Israel, Lebanon Begin First Direct Talks In Decades As Marco Rubio Leads Peace Push

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 21:40 IST

After decades without direct dialogue, Israel and Lebanon meet in Washington under US mediation as calls for deescalation grow louder.

Delegations from Israel and Lebanon met in Washington on Tuesday for their first direct peace talks in decades, marking a significant diplomatic step amid mounting pressure to end the ongoing conflict.

The talks, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are being mediated between Israeli envoy Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon’s Nada Hamadeh Moawad. The meeting began around 8:30 pm IST.

“This is a historic opportunity. We understand we’re working against decades of history and the complexities that have led us to this unique moment and the opportunity here," Rubio said at the State Department as he welcomed the ambassadors of the two countries.

“The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed," he added.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that the negotiations would help bring an end to the country’s suffering after fresh hostilities broke out between Israel and Hezbollah last month.

“I hope that the meeting in Washington will mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people in general, and those in the south in particular," Aoun said in a statement. He added that “stability will not return to the south if Israel continues to occupy its lands".

“The only solution lies in the Lebanese army redeploying up to the internationally recognised border, and being solely responsible for security in the area," he said.

However, Hezbollah — the Iran-backed armed group engaged in fighting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon — continues to oppose the talks. The group said it targeted 13 northern Israeli towns even as the negotiations got underway.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from 17 countries, including the United Kingdom, called on both sides to “seize this opportunity" for peace.

In a joint statement posted by Britain’s foreign ministry, the ministers said direct negotiations could pave the way for lasting security in Lebanon, Israel and the wider region.

They also urged all parties to “urgently deescalate" and take advantage of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

The statement was signed by ministers from Britain, Australia, and several European nations including France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain, though Germany, Austria, Hungary and Italy were not part of the group.

Lebanon was drawn into the broader regional conflict on March 2 after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel. Since then, Israeli strikes — including a heavy bombardment of Beirut on April 8 — have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over one million.

News world Israel, Lebanon Begin First Direct Talks In Decades As Marco Rubio Leads Peace Push

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