US Hosts New Lebanon-Israel Talks as Fragile Ceasefire Nears Expiration

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The United States is set to host a new round of talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington as the current ceasefire between the two sides approaches its expiration amid continuing violence along the border.

The negotiations, beginning Thursday, are aimed at preventing a return to full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah after weeks of deadly clashes and repeated ceasefire violations. The latest truce, brokered by the U.S. in April, is due to expire this weekend.

Lebanese officials say Beirut will press Israel to fully implement the ceasefire agreement, halt ongoing airstrikes, withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, and release Lebanese prisoners. Israel, meanwhile, continues to insist that Hezbollah must be disarmed and pushed away from the border region.

The talks come despite renewed violence. Israeli strikes across Lebanon this week reportedly killed more than 20 people, including civilians and children, while Hezbollah continued attacks on Israeli positions.

Washington sees the negotiations as a rare opportunity to secure a broader political and security arrangement between the two longtime adversaries. The discussions are expected to include military representatives for the first time, reflecting the seriousness of efforts to stabilize the border.

However, Hezbollah has criticized the direct negotiations, with the group’s leadership urging the Lebanese government to withdraw from the talks and reject any discussions linked to the group’s weapons.

The conflict has displaced more than a million people in Lebanon and caused widespread destruction since fighting escalated earlier this year amid broader regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.