Lebanon and Israel are set to begin a third round of preliminary talks in Washington under United States sponsorship, with Beirut focused on securing a firm and lasting ceasefire before any broader negotiations proceed. Lebanese officials say their top priority is to stabilize the fragile truce, which has been repeatedly tested by renewed violence and military incursions.

The Lebanese delegation arrives with a detailed dossier documenting alleged Israeli violations since the 2024 ceasefire, including destruction of towns and villages, civilian casualties, and breaches of prior agreements. The files include maps, photographs, and legal texts governing Lebanese-Israeli relations. Lebanon is also seeking the return of prisoners, the safe return of displaced residents to southern villages, and commitments toward reconstruction.

Tensions have escalated ahead of the talks, with Israeli forces conducting expanded airstrikes and brief ground incursions north of the Litani River. Lebanese authorities describe the military pressure as an attempt to influence negotiations. Recent drone strikes killed several people, including children, while reconnaissance aircraft intensified flights over Beirut and surrounding areas.

Hezbollah has rejected direct negotiations with Israel and called on Lebanese authorities to withdraw from the process, vowing to continue fighting. The Lebanese government maintains that Hezbollah’s actions have drawn the country into a broader conflict, further complicating efforts to secure a durable truce and advance diplomatic discussions.