Israel and Lebanon will resume direct negotiations at the U.S. State Department in Washington on Thursday, with Beirut pressing for an extension of the fragile ceasefire and demanding a halt to Israeli demolition operations in the country's south amid escalating border tensions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed Wednesday that the two sides would conduct "direct negotiations", stressing Israel's aim for "a true peace based on security" through the discussions.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Mouawad will represent Lebanon, tasked with formally requesting an extension of the truce and raising objections to Israeli activity in southern Lebanon.
Aoun underscored that Lebanon's position allows "no concessions or compromises" unless they contribute to safeguarding sovereignty and national interests.
The meeting marks the second round of ambassador-level negotiations in Washington, following April 14 discussions that produced a 10-day ceasefire beginning April 17.
The truce has remained tenuous, with Lebanese officials reporting Israeli demolitions, intensified surveillance, and evacuation warnings across the south earlier this week. Lebanese officials on Wednesday indicated that Lebanon will seek to extend the truce by another month in the upcoming dialog.
Israel, Lebanon to resume Washington talks amid fragile truce
