The United States will host direct talks between Israel and Lebanon next week as part of ongoing cease-fire efforts, even as escalating Israeli strikes and disputes over the scope of the truce continue to fuel tensions.
A State Department official confirmed that Washington will convene representatives from Israel and Lebanon to advance negotiations aimed at stabilizing the situation along the border.
According to reports, the U.S. delegation will be led by Ambassador Michel Issa, with Israel represented by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh-Moawad.
The diplomatic push comes as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said momentum is building internationally for a cease-fire followed by direct negotiations between the two sides.
Despite these efforts, violence has intensified. Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon since Wednesday have killed at least 303 people and injured more than 1,100, according to Lebanese authorities.
