Veteran Diplomats to Lead Lebanon–Israel Talks in Washington

(MENAFN) Lebanon and Israel are set to hold a new round of indirect-to-direct negotiations in Washington, with veteran envoys representing both sides, according to reports.

Lebanon’s delegation will be led by Simon Karam, a long-time political and legal figure who previously served as Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States and has been involved in ceasefire-related diplomatic efforts.

Israel will be represented by Yechiel Leiter, as both sides enter talks aimed at addressing unresolved issues stemming from years of conflict and recent escalations in the region.

According to reports, the discussions are taking place under US mediation, with Washington seeking progress toward stabilizing the security situation along the Lebanon–Israel frontier and preventing further escalation.

Lebanon is expected to focus on securing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern areas and reinforcing the terms of an existing ceasefire arrangement, while Israel is expected to prioritize the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to reports.

The talks come despite continued military tensions on the ground and a lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, which remain technically in a state of conflict.

According to reports, the Lebanese envoy is viewed as a seasoned negotiator with a long record in diplomacy and a reputation for emphasizing national sovereignty and institutional stability.

Sources cited in reports describe him as a calm but firm negotiator who has previously participated in ceasefire monitoring discussions involving multiple international stakeholders.

The upcoming meetings are being closely watched as a potential test of whether sustained diplomatic engagement can reduce tensions and establish a more durable framework for managing the conflict between the two sides.

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