Washington DC: Israel and Lebanon have completed the third round of peace talks held at the US State Department in Washington DC, with discussions lasting over eight hours. The meeting is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and build a structured framework for a potential agreement between the two sides.

US officials described the latest round of discussions as “productive and positive,” indicating progress in maintaining dialogue despite continuing regional instability.

The talks were mediated by senior US officials, including diplomatic representatives working closely with both delegations. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s adviser Michael Needham, and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa were among those leading the mediation effort.

Officials said the US role has focused on facilitating structured engagement between both sides and encouraging continued dialogue on key security and political concerns.

Delegations include senior diplomatic and military officials

The Israeli delegation was led by Israel’s ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and included representatives from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the National Security Council, and military attachés based in Washington.

The Lebanese delegation included former and current diplomatic representatives, along with military officials stationed in Washington. The inclusion of military representatives marked a notable development in this round of discussions, indicating deeper engagement on security-related issues.

According to reports, the discussions centred on building a broader framework for a future agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Earlier rounds of talks had focused on establishing initial communication channels, while this round reportedly involved more detailed discussions on structure and process.

Officials indicated that both sides agreed to continue talks in further sessions scheduled for the coming days.

Ceasefire backdrop and regional tensions

The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and a temporary ceasefire extension that was nearing its expiry. The situation in the region remains sensitive, with continued military activity and security concerns influencing diplomatic efforts.

Reports also noted continued Israeli military operations targeting Hezbollah-linked infrastructure, highlighting the complex security environment surrounding the talks.

Both delegations are expected to reconvene for another round of talks on Friday. US officials said they hope to provide further updates as discussions progress and remain cautiously optimistic about continued engagement.

The ongoing negotiations are being closely watched as part of broader efforts to stabilise the region and prevent further escalation.
(With ANI inputs)