Israel and Lebanon hold talks in Washington as ceasefire expiration nears
Israel and Lebanon have concluded the first of two days of talks in Washington as the ceasefire expiration date approaches. The United States is mediating the process; the second day will address pivotal decisions.
Israeli and Lebanese delegations have completed the first day of two days of talks in Washington as the ceasefire expiration approaches. With the United States mediating, the two sides exchanged positions on border security arrangements and humanitarian corridors. The talks come after weeks of cross-border tensions.
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Manuel Rapalo, reporting from Washington, the first day's sessions were held behind closed doors. The US side proposed a framework for extending the current ceasefire. Lebanon said the question of Hezbollah's armed presence was the central topic of the negotiations. Israel reiterated its demand for a buffer zone along the border.
A draft agreement is expected to be worked on during the second day. Humanitarian conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate without waiting for the outcome. The UN has called on the parties to take responsibility for reducing risks to civilian life. The result will directly affect tensions on the Hezbollah-Israel front for months ahead.
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