U.S. Hosts First Direct Israel-Lebanon Talks in Decades Amid Escalating Violence

Lebanese officials stated that a cease-fire with Israel is expected soon. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted peace talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington on Tuesday, marking the first direct discussions between the two countries in decades.

S. official told Haaretz that the President would welcome the end of hostilities in Lebanon as part of a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon, although this is not currently part of the negotiations with Iran. The talks occur against a backdrop of escalating violence, with Israeli strikes killing 43 people in Lebanon on Wednesday and wounding 140, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Since March 2, a total of 2,167 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 168 children. The ongoing conflict has also seen Israeli fire kill eight people in the Gaza Strip within the past 24 hours, with reports indicating the death toll in Gaza stands at ten.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to expand operations in Lebanon toward parts of the Syrian border, while also stating that Israel is ready to renew strikes on Iran.

-Iran war has lasted nearly two months, with a ceasefire deadline set for April 22. Meanwhile, Israeli security cabinet meetings have ended without a decision on a ceasefire in Lebanon, as tensions continue to rise in the region.