The US State Department held a trilateral meeting on Tuesday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Advisor Michael Needham, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yehiel Leiter, and Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh-Moawad.
This is the first time the governments of Israel and Lebanon have met since 1993, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.
Participants held productive discussions on the steps necessary to launch direct negotiations between the two countries.
The US congratulated both countries on the historic achievement, expressing its support for continued talks and for the Lebanese government’s plans to regain its monopoly on the use of force and end Iran’s excessive influence.
It also expressed hope that these talks would go beyond the scope of the 2024 agreement and lead to a comprehensive peace agreement.
Ceasefire discussions
The US reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against ongoing attacks by Hezbollah.
Any agreement to cease hostilities must be between the two governments, it stressed, and solely under the auspices of the US.
It noted that these negotiations could pave the way for significant aid for reconstruction and economic recovery in Lebanon, and expand investment opportunities for both countries.
Israel expressed its support for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and dismantling the “infrastructure of terrorism” in Lebanon.
It affirmed commitment to working with the Lebanese government to achieve this goal in a way that guarantees the security of the people of both countries. Israel also expressed readiness to engage in direct negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues and reach a lasting peace that promotes security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Lebanon meanwhile stressed the urgent need for the full implementation of the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities issued in November 2014, affirming the principles of territorial integrity and full sovereignty of the state.
It called for a ceasefire and concrete measures to address the acute humanitarian crisis that the country continues to suffer as a result of the ongoing conflict.
All parties agreed to launch direct negotiations at a time and place, to be mutually agreed upon.
