Two-day US-mediated talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives begin at State Department, with peace ties and Hezbollah disarmament at center; Saudi report says mood is not optimistic, while Hezbollah accuses Beirut of making concessions without securing ceasefire

While Lebanon is seeking to consolidate a ceasefire in the latest war and to obtain the withdrawal of Israeli troops, Israel wants to ensure Hezbollah is disarmed.

While Lebanon Is Demanding a Permanent Truce and a Halt to the Destruction of Border Villages, Israel Seeks to Retain Full Freedom of Operations in Lebanon Until the Hezbollah…