Israel and Lebanon to hold second round of talks in Washington

The second round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is scheduled to take place at the US State Department in Washington on Thursday, April 23.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing CBS News, that the upcoming session follows the initial diplomatic engagement initiated earlier this month. A spokesperson for the US State Department described the cooperation that began on April 14 as "productive," emphasizing that Washington remains committed to facilitating direct and good-faith discussions between the two nations to ensure regional security.

According to The Times of Israel, the talks will feature Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Mouavad. The meeting is expected to include high-level representatives from Israel, Lebanon, and the United States. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun previously announced that his country's delegation would be led by former Ambassador Simon Karam. This follows the first historic meeting between the parties which took place in the American capital on April 14.

These diplomatic efforts come at a critical juncture for Middle Eastern stability. Under the administration of US President Donald Trump, the United States has intensified its role as a primary mediator in regional affairs, seeking to foster normalization and resolve long-standing border and security disputes. The mediation by the State Department reflects a broader strategy to encourage direct dialogue between neighboring states in the interest of long-term peace and economic cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.