- Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic discussions in decades in Washington, facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Rubio described the meeting as a "historic opportunity" but cautioned against immediate breakthroughs, acknowledging the complex history between the two nations.
- Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, expressed optimism, citing a "convergence of opinion" on removing Hezbollah's influence, and said the Lebanese government affirmed it “would no longer be occupied by Hezbollah."
- Hezbollah, which was not represented and opposed the talks, intensified its attacks on northern Israel as discussions commenced, and stated it would not abide by any agreements made.
- The talks occurred amidst ongoing conflict, with significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon from Israeli strikes, and Israel's military invasion of southern Lebanon to establish a "security zone."
IN FULL
