Lebanon-Israel Talks Set for Next Week in Washington

Next week, representatives from Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold discussions in Washington on Thursday and Friday, according to a US State Department official who spoke on Thursday. The news was relayed by Reuters.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Hezbollah militia is obstructing negotiations between the two countries. Speaking at a White House press conference, Rubio said, "We want direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to move forward," but noted that "Hezbollah is hindering the talks," even though "there is a possibility of reaching a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon."

Rubio emphasized that "America will do everything in its power to keep the dialogue between the two sides going so that progress can be made on a permanent ceasefire." He also expressed hope "that the Lebanese army and the Lebanese government will confront Hezbollah and disarm it."