Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors convened in Washington on Thursday for a second round of negotiations, seeking a ceasefire and addressing the ongoing conflict intensified by Hezbollah’s actions. The United States is actively encouraging Lebanon to demonstrate its sovereignty and control over the Iran-backed organization.

Seeking a Ceasefire and Stability

The talks were spurred by Lebanon’s request for intervention from the Trump administration to halt the extensive Israeli offensive targeting Hezbollah. Lebanese President Michel Aoun expressed optimism that these discussions would create a pathway for economic recovery and reconstruction within the nation.

Key Participants in the Negotiations

Representing Lebanon at the negotiations is Nada Moawad, the Lebanese ambassador to the United States, alongside Israel’s ambassador to America, Yechiel Leiter. U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, is also participating in the meetings. President Aoun anticipates a future meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss the broader implications of the conflict for Lebanon.

Hezbollah's Stance and US Expectations

Notably, Hezbollah, the primary driver of the conflict through its attacks on Israel, is not directly involved in the peace process and has openly rejected it. The U.S. State Department, hosting the Israel-Lebanon talks, hopes for substantial progress towards an extended ceasefire, dependent on a ‘mutual agreement’ and Lebanon’s ability to assert its sovereignty.

A State Department official emphasized the importance of treating Lebanon as a sovereign state, enabling it to act independently and preventing Hezbollah from controlling its future or hindering peace. The official also noted encouragement regarding the Lebanese leadership’s realistic assessment of its challenges and commitment to a stable, sovereign Lebanon.

Lebanon's Concerns and Objectives

Aoun’s government has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Hezbollah for initiating destruction within Lebanon through its attacks on Israel, while simultaneously criticizing Israel’s retaliatory measures, including airstrikes, a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, and the destruction of villages used by Hezbollah. Aoun outlined his negotiation objectives, including a complete cessation of Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, the return of prisoners, the facilitation of displaced civilians’ return, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts.

He also called for an end to Israel’s demolition operations in southern villages and towns. The Israeli military is using bulldozers to dismantle structures potentially used as Hezbollah firing positions.

Israel's Position and Hezbollah's Rejection

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that areas occupied by the IDF have been cleared of terrorists and weapons, and that this operation, including the destruction of buildings in Lebanese villages serving as terrorist outposts, will continue in accordance with international law. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar offered a less optimistic assessment, describing Lebanon as a “failed state” manipulated by Iran through Hezbollah and urging the Lebanese government to collaborate against the group.

Hezbollah representatives vehemently condemned Aoun for engaging in dialogue with Israel, asserting their “right to resist” and declaring their refusal to abide by any agreements reached in Washington. They expressed willingness to extend the current ceasefire only upon Israel’s full compliance with their demands, effectively stating there is nothing further to discuss and calling for Aoun to terminate all direct talks with Israel.