Lebanese President Meets Delegation Chief Ahead of Direct Israel Talks
Lebanon and Israel's US ambassadors have previously met twice in Washington to attempt to end the ongoing conflict.
Beirut, Lebanon - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with veteran diplomat Simon Karam on Friday, ahead of planned talks with Israel scheduled for next week in Washington.
Karam heads the delegation representing Lebanon in these negotiations.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to broker peace between Lebanon and Israel following a series of conflicts that have seen significant hostilities, particularly in southern Lebanon.Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi outlined the country's goals for the negotiations, emphasizing the consolidation of the ceasefire, securing Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, and restoring full sovereignty over Lebanon's national territory.
Despite a truce in place since April 17, Israel has continued to launch bombings against Lebanon, particularly in the south, while maintaining control over border areas.According to a statement from the presidency, Aoun discussed with Karam the preparations for the upcoming meeting scheduled for next Thursday in Washington involving Lebanese, American, and Israeli delegations.
The President provided Karam with directives outlining Lebanon's firm positions on the negotiations.
It was announced that Karam will be leading the Lebanese delegation to Washington soon, accompanied by the Lebanese ambassador to the US, the deputy chief of mission, and a military representative.This meeting marks a significant development in diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Israel, who have been officially at war since 1948.
The previous round of talks in April resulted in a 10-day ceasefire with a three-week extension announced subsequently.
US President Donald Trump expressed expectations for Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet jointly at the White House within the following weeks.However, Aoun stated that securing a security agreement and stopping Israeli attacks on Lebanon must occur before discussing potential meetings between leaders.
In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that there is no problem between the Lebanese government and Israeli government, citing Hezbollah as the central issue to be addressed in achieving peace.
Hezbollah has strongly opposed direct talks, labeling them a 'sin' and urging Beirut to withdraw from negotiations.The conflict since March 2 has resulted in over 2,700 deaths in Lebanon, including dozens after the ceasefire announcement.
These ongoing tensions highlight the complexities involved in reaching a lasting peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
Karam heads the delegation representing Lebanon in these negotiations.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to broker peace between Lebanon and Israel following a series of conflicts that have seen significant hostilities, particularly in southern Lebanon.Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi outlined the country's goals for the negotiations, emphasizing the consolidation of the ceasefire, securing Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, and restoring full sovereignty over Lebanon's national territory.
Despite a truce in place since April 17, Israel has continued to launch bombings against Lebanon, particularly in the south, while maintaining control over border areas.According to a statement from the presidency, Aoun discussed with Karam the preparations for the upcoming meeting scheduled for next Thursday in Washington involving Lebanese, American, and Israeli delegations.
The President provided Karam with directives outlining Lebanon's firm positions on the negotiations.
It was announced that Karam will be leading the Lebanese delegation to Washington soon, accompanied by the Lebanese ambassador to the US, the deputy chief of mission, and a military representative.This meeting marks a significant development in diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Israel, who have been officially at war since 1948.
The previous round of talks in April resulted in a 10-day ceasefire with a three-week extension announced subsequently.
US President Donald Trump expressed expectations for Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet jointly at the White House within the following weeks.However, Aoun stated that securing a security agreement and stopping Israeli attacks on Lebanon must occur before discussing potential meetings between leaders.
In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that there is no problem between the Lebanese government and Israeli government, citing Hezbollah as the central issue to be addressed in achieving peace.
Hezbollah has strongly opposed direct talks, labeling them a 'sin' and urging Beirut to withdraw from negotiations.The conflict since March 2 has resulted in over 2,700 deaths in Lebanon, including dozens after the ceasefire announcement.
These ongoing tensions highlight the complexities involved in reaching a lasting peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel.