Lebanon between hope and fear ahead of Israel talks

On Thursday 23 April 2026, Lebanon and Israel were to meet in Washington for a second round of rare direct talks, with the aim of extending the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The talks were set for 4 p.m. local time, and Trump was to welcome the envoys of both countries at the White House.

Lebanon is asking for an extension of the truce and for a full Israeli withdrawal. It also plans to press Israel to halt attacks on journalists and medics. Tagesschau describes Lebanon as caught between hope and fear ahead of the talks, and France 24 calls the truce fragile.