Israel-Lebanon Talks Loom as Fighting Persists

In Washington on 14 April 2026, Israel and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades, the first since 1993, while fighting continued. Rubio hosted the talks and called them 'historic', saying they should agree a framework for peace. The envoys discussed Hezbollah disarmament and peace despite Hezbollah's opposition, and 17 countries urged both sides to seize the 'opportunity'.

The US said the two sides agreed to begin direct negotiations after the meeting. Israel said France is 'not a positive influence' in the talks. One report says Israel's government wants negotiations to continue under fire, and according to sources, Netanyahu is using the talks to buy time against Hezbollah. The talks took place during the Iran war.