Israel and Lebanon Open New Round of Talks in Washington

Ambassadors from Israel and Lebanon began a new round of direct talks in Washington. The fourth meeting between the two countries, which do not maintain diplomatic relations, is taking place at the State Department and is scheduled to last two days.

The talks follow Israeli drone strikes on southern Lebanon on June 2 that killed eight people, including two children and their father. Iran-backed Hezbollah continued launching drones at Israeli troops during the same period.

Background to the Talks Officials said the meeting comes after commitments to de-escalation were received from both sides. The discussions are the latest effort to address ongoing cross-border incidents between the two countries. No further details on the agenda or expected outcomes were released.