Third Round of Talks Between Lebanon and Israel in Washington Amid Escalating Airstrikes

SadaNews: The third round of talks between Lebanon and Israel began today, Thursday, in the American capital, Washington, against a backdrop of heightened tensions due to recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory. The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced yesterday, Wednesday, that 22 people, including 8 children, were martyred as a result of these airstrikes.

A Lebanese official confirmed to the French Press Agency that Lebanon will seek during this round to "establish a ceasefire," emphasizing that the priority lies in "putting an end to death and destruction." The Lebanese delegation is led by special envoy Simon Karam, a seasoned lawyer and diplomat who serves as Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, known for his fierce defense of his country's sovereignty.

The Israeli team includes Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yair Lapid, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has close ties with the settler movement in the occupied West Bank. The discussions also involve the head of the strategic division of the Israeli army and representatives from the National Security Council, alongside the American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, known for his strong support for Israel's regional ambitions, and the American ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, a Lebanese-born businessman and partner of President Donald Trump in golf.

This round of negotiations will last for two days, amid international anticipation of the results, especially in light of the absence of prominent figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump from direct participation.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz quoted a source saying that this round comes as a continuation of previous discussions, with expectations that it will be more sensitive given the recent field developments.