The first day of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon has concluded in Rome, with both sides describing the discussions as productive. Israel has reportedly expressed its willingness to move forward with plans to withdraw from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon as part of a framework agreement brokered by Washington.
According to US officials, the negotiations were held in a positive atmosphere, with representatives from the United States, Israel, and Lebanon agreeing to continue discussions. Lebanon has insisted that Israeli forces begin withdrawing before any further negotiations take place, while the Lebanese Army has stated it is ready to gradually take control of the affected areas.

Israel agrees to Lebanon withdrawal plan after US-mediated rome talks | Trump pushes Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (April 23) that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by three weeks. The extension is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides’ leaders to potentially meet at the White House. Trump also said that Iran must stop its financial support for Hezbollah as part of broader efforts to maintain stability in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;The extension follows a high-level meeting at the White House, where Trump hosted Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese ambassador Nada Moawad in the Oval Office. The meeting marked a second round of US-mediated discussions aimed at easing tensions.&nbsp;Calling the discussions productive, Trump said Washington would work closely with Lebanon to counter the influence of Hezbollah. "The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah. The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS," Trump said. The meeting was attended by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-21-indian-seafarers-safe-after-iranian-boats-target-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-government-1776995535055">'21 Indian seafarers safe after Iranian boats target ships in Strait of Hormuz': Government</a>&nbsp;Trump added that he expects to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House soon. "I look forward in the near future to hosting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. It was a Great Honor to be a participant at this very Historic Meeting," Trump said. The diplomatic talks came a day after Israeli airstrikes killed at least five people in Lebanon, including journalist Amal Khalil, marking the deadliest day in the country since the ceasefire took effect on April 16.&nbsp;Al-Akhbar confirmed Khalil’s death, citing a senior military official. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said the group supports continuing the ceasefire, but only if Israel fully complies with its terms. Speaking during a televised press conference, he rejected direct negotiations with Israel and urged the Lebanese government to stop all face-to-face engagement. Clashes between Hezbollah and Israel resumed on March 2, when the group launched attacks with backing from Iran amid broader regional tensions. While the ceasefire in Lebanon was negotiated separately from Washington’s efforts with Tehran, Iran had pushed for Lebanon to be included in a wider agreement.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-africa-ties-india-announces-fourth-india-africa-forum-summit-1776996908693/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-africa-ties-india-announces-fourth-india-africa-forum-summit-1776996908693/embed</a>&nbsp;Hezbollah said it carried out four operations in southern Lebanon on Wednesday in response to Israeli strikes. As per Lebanese authorities, nearly 2,500 people have been killed since Israel began its offensive following Hezbollah’s March 2 attacks. Despite decades of hostility and no formal diplomatic relations, Israel and Lebanon have recently entered a rare phase of direct engagement, signaling an unusual shift in ties.&nbsp;This progress helped pave the way for a 10-day ceasefire announced earlier this month, offering a temporary halt in fighting and raising cautious hopes for further de-escalation.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump extends Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by 3 weeks, calls on Iran to stop Hezbollah funding after White House talks with ambassadors

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday (April 23) that the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended by three weeks. The extension is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides’ leaders to potentially meet at the White House. Trump also said that Iran must stop its financial support for Hezbollah as part of broader efforts to maintain stability in the region. The extension follows a high-level meeting at the White House, where Trump hosted Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese ambassador Nada Moawad in the Oval Office. The meeting marked a second round of US-mediated discussions aimed at easing tensions. Calling the discussions productive, Trump said Washington would work closely with Lebanon to counter the influence of Hezbollah. "The Meeting went very well! The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah. The Ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon will be extended by THREE WEEKS," Trump said. The meeting was attended by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. Also Read: '21 Indian seafarers safe after Iranian boats target ships in Strait of Hormuz': Government Trump added that he expects to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House soon. "I look forward in the near future to hosting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. It was a Great Honor to be a participant at this very Historic Meeting," Trump said. The diplomatic talks came a day after Israeli airstrikes killed at least five people in Lebanon, including journalist Amal Khalil, marking the deadliest day in the country since the ceasefire took effect on April 16. Al-Akhbar confirmed Khalil’s death, citing a senior military official. Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said the group supports continuing the ceasefire, but only if Israel fully complies with its terms. Speaking during a televised press conference, he rejected direct negotiations with Israel and urged the Lebanese government to stop all face-to-face engagement. Clashes between Hezbollah and Israel resumed on March 2, when the group launched attacks with backing from Iran amid broader regional tensions. While the ceasefire in Lebanon was negotiated separately from Washington’s efforts with Tehran, Iran had pushed for Lebanon to be included in a wider agreement. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-africa-ties-india-announces-fourth-india-africa-forum-summit-1776996908693/embed Hezbollah said it carried out four operations in southern Lebanon on Wednesday in response to Israeli strikes. As per Lebanese authorities, nearly 2,500 people have been killed since Israel began its offensive following Hezbollah’s March 2 attacks. Despite decades of hostility and no formal diplomatic relations, Israel and Lebanon have recently entered a rare phase of direct engagement, signaling an unusual shift in ties. This progress helped pave the way for a 10-day ceasefire announced earlier this month, offering a temporary halt in fighting and raising cautious hopes for further de-escalation. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

US President Donald Trump extends the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by three weeks, urges Iran to stop backing Hezbollah as the US hosts fresh White House talks

Trump extends Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by three weeks after White House meeting

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (April 16) said he hopes militant group Hezbollah will maintain restraint during the newly agreed 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Speaking shortly after the truce was announced, Trump urged calm and emphasized the importance of the moment. "I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he arrived for a speech in Las Vegas. “It will be a GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!” The ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the US pushing for de-escalation and a longer-term agreement between the two sides.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rips-joe-kent-and-tucker-carlson-in-explosive-truth-social-post-calls-ex-counterterrorism-chief-sleazebag-1776381376378">Trump rips Joe Kent and Tucker Carlson in explosive Truth Social post, calls ex-counterterrorism chief ‘sleazebag’</a>

Gunfire was heard across Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, as the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire came into effect, likely spontaneous celebrations, though this could not be independently confirmed. The broader Middle East conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Tensions escalated further when Hezbollah entered the conflict on March 2 by firing rockets into Israel, drawing Lebanon into the war.&nbsp;Since then, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have reportedly killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over one million residents. Israeli ground forces have also advanced into the southern parts of the country. Even as the ceasefire began, Israel’s military said it had carried out strikes on more than 380 targets linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and remained on “high alert” for any escalation.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-addresses-parliament-on-women-s-reservation-1776361483794/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-addresses-parliament-on-women-s-reservation-1776361483794/embed</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump said the agreement to pause hostilities followed direct communication with leaders from both sides. "These two Leaders have agreed that to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST," or 2100 GMT, Trump said on his Truth Social platform.He later added that he expects Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit the White House soon, possibly “over the next four or five days.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Trump urges Hezbollah to “act nicely and well” during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, calling for peace and an end to violence amid fragile truce

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (April 16) said he hopes militant group Hezbollah will maintain restraint during the newly agreed 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Speaking shortly after the truce was announced, Trump urged calm and emphasized the importance of the moment. "I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform as he arrived for a speech in Las Vegas. “It will be a GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!” The ceasefire comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the US pushing for de-escalation and a longer-term agreement between the two sides. Also Read: Trump rips Joe Kent and Tucker Carlson in explosive Truth Social post, calls ex-counterterrorism chief ‘sleazebag’

US President Donald Trump hopes Hezbollah will ‘act nicely’ during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, calling for peace and an end to violence amid a fragile truce

'Act nicely': Trump hopes Hezbollah keeps peace as Israel-Lebanon ceasefire goes into effect

The White House on Thursday (April 16) detailed how the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was negotiated over a rapid series of high-level diplomatic engagements, while the US State Department simultaneously released a six-point statement outlining the terms of the agreement. According to a White House official, the process started on Tuesday (April 14) when Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon. During that meeting, Lebanon acknowledged that Hezbollah is a ‘mutual problem'.&nbsp;On Wednesday (April 15) evening, President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who agreed to the ceasefire ‘with certain terms’, though specifics were not disclosed. Trump then directed Rubio to contact Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. In that overnight call, Rubio secured Lebanon’s agreement to the ceasefire. On Thursday (April 16) morning, Trump held follow-up calls with Aoun and Netanyahu to finalise the deal.&nbsp;At the same time, the State Department worked with both governments to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The six-point statement, agreed to by Israel and Lebanon, sets out the framework for the ceasefire, which started at 5 pm ET on Thursday (April 16).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-fly-to-pakistan-if-iran-deal-is-finalised-here-s-what-he-said-1776365507182">Will Trump fly to Pakistan if Iran deal is finalised? Here’s what he said</a><h2>What is the 6-point statement in terms of Lebanon ceasefire?</h2><ul><li>The agreement describes the truce as a gesture of goodwill by the Government of Israel, intended to enable good-faith negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon.</li><li>“Israel shall preserve its right to take all necessary measures in self-defense, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. This shall not be impeded by the cessation of hostilities,” the statement says. Besides this, it will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets, in the territory of Lebanon by land, air, and sea.</li><li>The statement adds that the ceasefire may be extended by mutual agreement between Lebanon and Israel if progress is demonstrated in the negotiations and as Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty.</li><li>It also outlines Lebanon’s responsibilities going forward: “From April 16, 2026, at 17:00 EST, forward, with international support, the Government of Lebanon will take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other rogue non-state armed groups in the territory of Lebanon from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israeli targets,” it says.</li><li>The agreement emphasizes that Lebanon’s official security forces hold sole authority over national defense: “All parties recognize Lebanon’s security forces as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon’s sovereignty and national defense; no other country or group has claim to be the guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” the MOU notes.</li><li>Finally, both countries have asked the US to continue facilitating negotiations: “Israel and Lebanon request that the United States facilitate further direct negotiations between the two countries with the objective of resolving all remaining issues, including demarcation of the international land boundary, with a view to concluding a comprehensive agreement that ensures lasting security, stability, and peace between the two countries,” the final point says.</li></ul>Israel has indicated it will maintain its military presence in Lebanon during the ceasefire period.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asim-munir-sidelines-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-in-us-iran-peace-negotiations-1776358775050/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/asim-munir-sidelines-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-in-us-iran-peace-negotiations-1776358775050/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

White House outlines how the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was reached as the US releases a 6-point framework detailing terms, self-defense rights, and truce conditions

The White House on Thursday (April 16) detailed how the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was negotiated over a rapid series of high-level diplomatic engagements, while the US State Department simultaneously released a six-point statement outlining the terms of the agreement. According to a White House official, the process started on Tuesday (April 14) when Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon. During that meeting, Lebanon acknowledged that Hezbollah is a ‘mutual problem'. On Wednesday (April 15) evening, President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who agreed to the ceasefire ‘with certain terms’, though specifics were not disclosed. Trump then directed Rubio to contact Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. In that overnight call, Rubio secured Lebanon’s agreement to the ceasefire. On Thursday (April 16) morning, Trump held follow-up calls with Aoun and Netanyahu to finalise the deal. At the same time, the State Department worked with both governments to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The six-point statement, agreed to by Israel and Lebanon, sets out the framework for the ceasefire, which started at 5 pm ET on Thursday (April 16). Also Read: Will Trump fly to Pakistan if Iran deal is finalised? Here’s what he said What is the 6-point statement in terms of Lebanon ceasefire? The agreement describes the truce as a gesture of goodwill by the Government of Israel, intended to enable good-faith negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon. “Israel shall preserve its right to take all necessary measures in self-defense, at any time, against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks. This shall not be impeded by the cessation of hostilities,” the statement says. Besides this, it will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets, in the territory of Lebanon by land, air, and sea. The statement adds that the ceasefire may be extended by mutual agreement between Lebanon and Israel if progress is demonstrated in the negotiations and as Lebanon effectively demonstrates its ability to assert its sovereignty. It also outlines Lebanon’s responsibilities going forward: “From April 16, 2026, at 17:00 EST, forward, with international support, the Government of Lebanon will take meaningful steps to prevent Hezbollah and all other rogue non-state armed groups in the territory of Lebanon from carrying out any attacks, operations, or hostile activities against Israeli targets,” it says. The agreement emphasizes that Lebanon’s official security forces hold sole authority over national defense: “All parties recognize Lebanon’s security forces as having exclusive responsibility for Lebanon’s sovereignty and national defense; no other country or group has claim to be the guarantor of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” the MOU notes. Finally, both countries have asked the US to continue facilitating negotiations: “Israel and Lebanon request that the United States facilitate further direct negotiations between the two countries with the objective of resolving all remaining issues, including demarcation of the international land boundary, with a view to concluding a comprehensive agreement that ensures lasting security, stability, and peace between the two countries,” the final point says. Israel has indicated it will maintain its military presence in Lebanon during the ceasefire period. https://www.wionews.com/videos/asim-munir-sidelines-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-in-us-iran-peace-negotiations-1776358775050/embed Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

US details Israel-Lebanon ceasefire timeline and terms, including self-defense rights, Hezbollah curbs, and possibility of extending the truce

How the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire happened in 48 hours: Timeline, key terms, what the deal includes and what happens next

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (April 15) that Israel and the United States are closely coordinated in their approach toward Iran, emphasising shared strategic goals. "Our American friends keep us constantly updated on their contacts with Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;The objectives of the United States and our own are 'identical', he said in a televised speech. Netanyahu outlined key priorities, stressing the need to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities and restore stability in the region. “We want to see enriched material removed from Iran; we want to see the elimination of enrichment capability within Iran; and, of course, we want to see the (Hormuz) strait reopened,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ran-threatens-shipping-in-persian-gulf-red-sea-and-gulf-of-oman-if-us-naval-blockade-continues-1776256812749">Iran threatens shipping in Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman if US naval blockade continues</a>&nbsp;In a separate statement, Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s objectives in its first direct talks with Lebanon in decades, focusing on long-term security and peace. “In the negotiations with Lebanon, there are two central objectives: first, the dismantling of Hezbollah; second, a sustainable peace... achieved through strength,” he said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-say-iran-used-chinese-satellite-to-target-us-bases-in-gulf-1776274189063/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-say-iran-used-chinese-satellite-to-target-us-bases-in-gulf-1776274189063/embed</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, five Israeli Defense Forces soldiers were injured in a Hezbollah rocket attack in southern Lebanon earlier on Wednesday (April 16), according to the military. Among the wounded, one soldier is in serious condition, while four sustained light injuries. The injured troops were taken to a hospital for treatment, and their families have been informed, the IDF said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says Israel and the US are aligned on Iran, calls to end nuclear enrichment, reopen Hormuz Strait, and dismantle Hezbollah in Lebanon talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (April 15) that Israel and the United States are closely coordinated in their approach toward Iran, emphasising shared strategic goals. "Our American friends keep us constantly updated on their contacts with Iran. The objectives of the United States and our own are 'identical', he said in a televised speech. Netanyahu outlined key priorities, stressing the need to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities and restore stability in the region. “We want to see enriched material removed from Iran; we want to see the elimination of enrichment capability within Iran; and, of course, we want to see the (Hormuz) strait reopened,” he added. Also Read: Iran threatens shipping in Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Gulf of Oman if US naval blockade continues In a separate statement, Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s objectives in its first direct talks with Lebanon in decades, focusing on long-term security and peace. “In the negotiations with Lebanon, there are two central objectives: first, the dismantling of Hezbollah; second, a sustainable peace... achieved through strength,” he said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-say-iran-used-chinese-satellite-to-target-us-bases-in-gulf-1776274189063/embed Meanwhile, five Israeli Defense Forces soldiers were injured in a Hezbollah rocket attack in southern Lebanon earlier on Wednesday (April 16), according to the military. Among the wounded, one soldier is in serious condition, while four sustained light injuries. The injured troops were taken to a hospital for treatment, and their families have been informed, the IDF said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Netanyahu says Israel and the US share identical Iran goals, urges ending enrichment and reopening Hormuz, while prioritising Hezbollah dismantling

'US and Israel have 'identical goals' on Iran', says Netanyahu; calls for Hezbollah dismantling

Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday (April 14) in Washington, following over a month of conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. The meeting was facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the moment as a ‘historic opportunity’, while warning that no immediate breakthrough should be expected. Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration is ‘very happy’ to support the discussions, but acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges, saying, “we understand we’re working against decades of history and complexities” that cannot be resolved quickly.&nbsp;He added, “But we can begin to move forward with a framework where something can happen, something very positive, something very permanent, so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve, and so that the people of Israel can live without fear.” The talks come despite strong opposition from Hezbollah, which was not represented. The Iran-backed group escalated tensions by launching attacks on northern Israel as the discussions started.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-receives-call-from-trump-discusses-west-asia-stresses-open-and-secure-hormuz-in-40-minute-talks-1776182400804">PM Modi receives call from Trump, discusses West Asia, stresses open and secure Hormuz in 40-minute talks</a>&nbsp;The two countries have officially been at war since Israel’s founding in 1948 and have no formal diplomatic relations. This marks their first high-level direct engagement since 1993. The latest escalation started on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, days after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, Hezbollah’s primary ally. The Washington meeting included the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors and was mediated by Rubio, who reiterated, "This is a historic opportunity," while recognizing the ‘decades of history’ complicating progress.&nbsp;"The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed," Rubio said. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun expressed cautious optimism, saying he hoped the talks would mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people. However, expectations remain low. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the talks as "futile" and called for them to be abandoned.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-drug-boat-strike-two-dead-after-us-strikes-another-alleged-drug-boat-in-pacific-ocean-1776176998948/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-drug-boat-strike-two-dead-after-us-strikes-another-alleged-drug-boat-in-pacific-ocean-1776176998948/embed</a>&nbsp;As the talks got underway, Hezbollah announced it had launched ‘simultaneous rocket salvos’ targeting 13 northern Israeli towns. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated his country’s goal of "peace and normalisation" with Lebanon but stressed that Hezbollah remains the central obstacle, saying it must be addressed before progress can be made.&nbsp;The Israeli military had already warned of a possible surge in attacks coinciding with the talks. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Britain and France, urged both sides to take advantage of the opportunity to achieve lasting security in the region.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks in decades in Washington, as Marco Rubio calls it a “historic opportunity” despite Hezbollah tensions and low expectations

Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday (April 14) in Washington, following over a month of conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. The meeting was facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who described the moment as a ‘historic opportunity’, while warning that no immediate breakthrough should be expected. Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration is ‘very happy’ to support the discussions, but acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges, saying, “we understand we’re working against decades of history and complexities” that cannot be resolved quickly. He added, “But we can begin to move forward with a framework where something can happen, something very positive, something very permanent, so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve, and so that the people of Israel can live without fear.” The talks come despite strong opposition from Hezbollah, which was not represented. The Iran-backed group escalated tensions by launching attacks on northern Israel as the discussions started. Also Read: PM Modi receives call from Trump, discusses West Asia, stresses open and secure Hormuz in 40-minute talks The two countries have officially been at war since Israel’s founding in 1948 and have no formal diplomatic relations. This marks their first high-level direct engagement since 1993. The latest escalation started on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, days after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, Hezbollah’s primary ally. The Washington meeting included the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors and was mediated by Rubio, who reiterated, "This is a historic opportunity," while recognizing the ‘decades of history’ complicating progress. "The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed," Rubio said. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun expressed cautious optimism, saying he hoped the talks would mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people. However, expectations remain low. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the talks as "futile" and called for them to be abandoned. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-drug-boat-strike-two-dead-after-us-strikes-another-alleged-drug-boat-in-pacific-ocean-1776176998948/embed As the talks got underway, Hezbollah announced it had launched ‘simultaneous rocket salvos’ targeting 13 northern Israeli towns. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated his country’s goal of "peace and normalisation" with Lebanon but stressed that Hezbollah remains the central obstacle, saying it must be addressed before progress can be made. The Israeli military had already warned of a possible surge in attacks coinciding with the talks. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Britain and France, urged both sides to take advantage of the opportunity to achieve lasting security in the region. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks in decades in Washington; Marco Rubio calls it a ‘historic opportunity’ amid rising Hezbollah tensions

Lebanon, Israel hold first direct talks after decades in Washington; Rubio calls it 'historic opportunity', Hezbollah launches new attacks

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Israel agrees to Lebanon withdrawal plan after US-mediated rome talks | Trump pushes Netanyahu

Trump extends Israel-Lebanon ceasefire by three weeks after White House meeting

Trump hopes Hezbollah keeps peace as Israel-Lebanon ceasefire begins

How Israel-Lebanon ceasefire happened in 48hrs: Timeline, terms and what’s next

'US & Israel have 'identical goals' on Iran', says Netanyahu in televised speech

Lebanon, Israel hold first direct talks after decades in Washington