Lebanon and Israel are set to hold their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington following more than a month of war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate alongside the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States. The discussions come after intense fighting that has killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon, displaced over one million, and left thousands wounded.

The talks aim to address long term security along Israel’s northern border and support Lebanon’s efforts to assert control over its territory amid the influence of Iran backed Hezbollah. Lebanon’s government hopes the meeting could pave the way toward ending the conflict, though Israel has ruled out agreeing to a ceasefire while Hezbollah continues cross border attacks.

Hezbollah and its allies have criticized the negotiations, arguing that Lebanon lacks leverage and should rely on Iran’s position. Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah maintains daily attacks, underscoring the fragile and volatile situation as diplomatic efforts begin.