Israel-Lebanon 3rd Round of Direct Talks Begin in Washington DC — Ceasefire Border Dispute Continues

A third round of historically unprecedented direct Israel-Lebanon talks began in Washington DC on May 14, 2026, hosted by the US State Department. The two sides were represented by their respective ambassadors. The talks concern the fate of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire framework: Lebanon demands a permanent ceasefire and full halt to Israeli military operations and destruction of border villages in southern Lebanon; Israel insists on retaining freedom of military operations until the Hezbollah threat is resolved and withdraws to the Litani River. The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France in late 2024, has been repeatedly tested by Israeli military overflights, cross-border fire incidents, and continued Hezbollah weapons smuggling from Syria. The talks are the first direct Israel-Lebanon negotiations held in the United States. Lebanon's position is backed by France and the EU; Israel's position has conditional US support. No breakthrough is expected in this round as core disputes remain deeply entrenched.