First Direct Talks Between Lebanon and Israel Under Ceasefire Mechanism
US pushed for talks to stabilize ceasefire after over a year of hostilities following Hezbollah's attacks in support of Hamas.
Lebanon named former ambassador Simon Karam to lead delegation.
Israel's PM instructed acting NSC chief to send civilian rep for potential economic and relationship cooperation.
US and Israeli officials warned Israel might launch new military ops if Lebanon doesn't fully disarm Hezbollah.
Lebanese army plans to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure south of river by year-end amid Israeli strikes.
Israel and Lebanon lacked formal diplomatic ties until now, relying on military contacts.
1983 direct talks yielded an unratified agreement.
Netanyahu urges Lebanon to join Abraham Accords, but Beirut favors 1949 armistice.
1 month ago