Report: Lebanon and Israel Head to Washington for a Third Round of Talks Next Week

The Lebanese channel LBCI reported today (Wednesday) that the third round of talks between Israel and Lebanon is expected to take place next week in Washington. According to the report, the discussions will continue for two consecutive days, as part of efforts to advance understandings between the sides.

As part of the preparations for the round, Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Maawad, is expected to participate, and alongside her, for the first time, former Lebanese ambassador Simon Karam, who was appointed to head the Lebanese negotiating team, will join.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, addressed the possibility of a meeting between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, clarifying that at this stage the move has not yet ripened. According to him, a meeting at such a high level requires "extensive preparation," and its timing depends on the success of the negotiations and on reaching agreements about their outcome.

Salam added that alongside contacts with Israel, Lebanon must also conduct an internal dialogue in order to establish full sovereignty and collect the weapons in the country. He emphasized: "We are not going in the direction of normalization, but toward peace. Lebanon launched the Arab Peace Initiative." He also noted that communication with Hezbollah takes place through its representatives in the government, as part of the country’s internal political conduct.