World

Israel and Lebanon to hold second round of talks in US

By AAP Newswire

Apr 21, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted a round of talks between Israel and Lebanon last week. -AP

Israeli and Lebanese representatives will hold talks ‌in Washington DC, a US State Department ‌spokesperson and an Israeli source speaking on the condition of anonymity have told Reuters.

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The US will host the second round ‌of ambassador-level ‌talks between ⁠the two countries at the Department of State on Thursday, the State Department spokesperson said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the first round of talks between Israeli ambassador to the ⁠US Yechiel Leiter ‌and Lebanon's ambassador to the US Nada Moawad - the first direct talks ‌between Israel and Lebanon in decades - on April 14.

"We will continue to facilitate direct, good-faith discussions between the two governments," the spokesperson said.

The second round of talks will ‌mark the first talks between the two countries since a 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday.

An Israeli official said the same representatives will join Thursday's talks.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah opposes the talks but is observing a 10-day ceasefire announced last week.

Israeli officials say the talks are aimed at disarming Hezbollah and reaching a peace agreement with Lebanon.

with AP