Lebanon’s presidency said Friday that officials will meet with Israel in Washington next week to discuss a cease-fire in the Israel-Hezbollah war and the potential start of negotiations between the two sides.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has repeatedly expressed readiness for direct talks with Israel since Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2 with rocket fire at Israel in support of its backer Iran, sparking massive Israeli strikes and a ground invasion.
After a cease-fire was announced between the United States and Iran this week, Washington and Tehran have been at odds over whether it also applies to Lebanon, as Israel has kept up heavy strikes on the country and Hezbollah has responded with its own attacks.
A statement from Aoun's office said that a first telephone call was held on Friday between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to Washington and the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, who was also in the American city.
"During the call, it was agreed to hold the first meeting next Tuesday at the State Department to discuss declaring a cease-fire and the start date for negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. auspices," the presidency statement said.
