Lebanese, Israeli Envoys To Hold First Call Ahead Of Peace Talks In Washington Today

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 00:16 IST

The phone call would include US envoy to Beirut Michel Issa and is expected to focus on setting the stage for direct negotiations anticipated to begin next week.

The first phone call between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States is set to take place on Saturday (local time) ahead of peace talks scheduled for next week in Washington.

As per reported by Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, the phone call scheduled to take place at 9 PM Beirut time, would include US envoy to Beirut Michel Issa and is expected to focus on setting the stage for direct negotiations anticipated to begin next week.

The conversation marks the first known direct contact between the two envoys in Washington, signalling a potential shift toward dialogue after a prolonged period of tensions.

Meanwhile, peace talks between Israel and Lebanon are likely to begin next week in Washington, news agency AP reported. However, Hezbollah has firmly rejected any proposal for direct negotiations.

As per the report, the negotiations are expected to take place at the US State Department, with discussions handled on the American side by US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and on the Israeli side by Israel’s Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter. However, it wasn’t clear who will represent Lebanon.

The planned diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of escalating violence. Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli strikes killed more than 300 people and wounded over 1,100 in a single day this week. Israel said it had killed Ali Yusuf Harshi, described as a relative and aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, in an overnight strike in Beirut.

A senior official in the Lebanese President’s office has told the BBC that Lebanon will participate in direct negotiations with Israel next week only if there is a ceasefire in place beforehand.

It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised direct talks following what he said were “repeated requests from the Lebanese government".

“In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible," his office wrote in a statement.

He also added that the negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon.

A US State Department official said it would host a meeting next week in Washington “to discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations" between the two countries.

News world Lebanese, Israeli Envoys To Hold First Call Ahead Of Peace Talks In Washington Today

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