Israel and Lebanon hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington

Israel and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it "the beginning of a process." The discussions, conducted at the ambassador level, focused on border issues and regional tensions, though Israel reportedly rejected a ceasefire proposal during the talks.

The meetings come amid ongoing conflict with Iran and opposition from Hezbollah, which criticized the direct engagement. Meanwhile, Egypt's foreign minister also traveled to Washington for talks with Rubio on de-escalating regional conflicts, and the UK chancellor en route to Washington criticized the "folly" of the US war.