The United States will facilitate two days of intensive talks between the governments of Israel and Lebanon on May 14 and 15, according to a May 8 announcement.
The discussions are intended to advance a comprehensive peace and security agreement that addresses the main concerns of both countries. The talks seek to move beyond previous efforts over the past twenty years, which allowed terrorist groups to become established, weakened Lebanese state authority, and threatened Israel’s northern border.
According to the announcement, both delegations will participate in detailed discussions aimed at creating a framework for lasting peace. This includes restoring Lebanese sovereignty throughout its territory, defining borders, and establishing pathways for humanitarian relief and reconstruction in Lebanon. Both sides have agreed to approach these negotiations with their national interests as priorities. The United States said it will work to reconcile those interests in order to deliver security for Israel as well as sovereignty and reconstruction for Lebanon.
The statement also welcomed the commitment of both governments to this process. It emphasized that comprehensive peace depends on fully restoring Lebanese state authority and completely disarming Hizballah, which is designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The talks are described as an important step toward ending decades of conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
The United States said it will continue supporting both countries as they work toward reaching an agreement.
