Lebanon and Israel entered a second day of US-sponsored talks in Washington on Wednesday after US officials reported progress in negotiations, while French and Saudi envoys prepared visits to Beirut as part of efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.
The discussions are taking place amid a broader diplomatic push involving France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt aimed at consolidating a ceasefire and addressing outstanding issues between Lebanon and Israel, even as hostilities continue on the ground.
US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the talks were advancing on both tracks as negotiators worked towards a comprehensive agreement aimed at restoring Lebanon's sovereignty and ensuring Israel's security.
He said the United States remained fully committed to facilitating the negotiations and confirmed that another round would take place on Wednesday.
The Lebanese delegation included former ambassador Simon Karam, Lebanon's ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, military attaché Oliver Hakimiyeh and deputy ambassador Wissam Boutros.
Israel's delegation included Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin, Israeli army planning chief Amichai Levin and military attaché Eric Ben-Dov. 'Progress' in talks A US State Department official described Tuesday's discussions as constructive and said Washington hoped they would lead to a broader agreement.
US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa also expressed optimism following the seven-hour session, saying negotiations were proceeding well while denying reports of direct communication between US President Donald Trump and Hezbollah. Lebanese official sources said discussions focused on implementing a ceasefire, security arrangements in southern Lebanon, and Trump's latest proposal to reduce violence.
The Lebanese delegation continued to push for a full ceasefire accompanied by an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, arguing that such a step was necessary for the Lebanese army to implement plans to place all weapons under state authority.
Negotiators also discussed security arrangements in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's weapons.
While Israel has reportedly insisted on maintaining freedom of military action inside Lebanon to counter perceived threats from Hezbollah, Lebanon has demanded a complete ceasefire and a phased Israeli withdrawal under a clear timetable backed by international guarantees.
Lebanon has rejected a repeat of previous arrangements that left Israeli forces occupying five positions in southern Lebanon, arguing that their presence was a breach of Lebanese sovereignty and obstructed the deployment of the Lebanese army.
Lebanese authorities have reiterated their commitment to implementing a state monopoly on arms, beginning south of the Litani River before extending the process to areas north of the river through a phased plan. French, Saudi envoys head to Beirut Diplomatic efforts have intensified alongside the negotiations, with France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt all engaged in securing a comprehensive ceasefire.
Arab states have maintained that any settlement should include a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory and the extension of Lebanese state authority across the country.
French and Saudi delegations are expected in Beirut in the coming hours as part of efforts to support the Lebanese government and encourage progress towards a political solution.
As part of those efforts, Ali Hassan Khalil, a senior adviser to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, held meetings in Doha on Tuesday to reduce tensions and advance a comprehensive ceasefire.
A Qatari team is also coordinating directly with US and Saudi officials in Washington on the Lebanese file as efforts continue to translate Trump's ceasefire initiative into a broader agreement. Fighting continues in the south Despite the diplomatic momentum, fighting continued on the ground. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed more people, including medics and healthcare workers, and caused extensive destruction.
Israel also issued warnings concerning parts of the southern city of Tyre, claiming Hezbollah members were present there and calling on residents to demand their removal. The Lebanese army later deployed patrols in the area.
Hezbollah announced 13 military operations on Tuesday, all within southern Lebanon, and did not target Israeli settlements in northern Israel.
The group's Al-Manar television channel said Trump's latest proposal envisages a halt to attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and northern Israel as a preliminary step towards a comprehensive ceasefire within 48 to 72 hours.
According to Al-Manar, an earlier proposal linking a halt in Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel to a suspension of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs was rejected by both Hezbollah and Speaker Nabih Berri, who insisted that a comprehensive ceasefire should precede any broader agreement, including a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Israel's attacks on Lebanon have killed over 3,400 people, including women and children, since 2 March.