The American capital, Washington, witnessed a significant diplomatic shift in the Lebanese-Israeli conflict, as both parties agreed on Friday to hold their first direct meeting at the US Department of State headquarters next Tuesday. This anticipated meeting aims to set a timeline and determine an official date for the launch of direct negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing military escalation.
This announcement followed the first historic phone call between Lebanon's Ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Maawad, and her Israeli counterpart, Yehiel Leiter. This communication took place with the active participation of the US Ambassador to Beirut, Michel Issa, as part of the American administration's efforts to bridge the views between the two sides.
The Lebanese presidency confirmed in an official statement that the meeting will primarily discuss a ceasefire declaration and determine the negotiation mechanisms, which will be under full American sponsorship. It clarified that this move comes based on the diplomatic initiative launched by President General Joseph Aoun on March 9, which calls for prioritizing political solutions.
For his part, the Israeli Ambassador in Washington stated that Tel Aviv has agreed to begin official peace negotiations with the Lebanese state, but at the same time, it categorically rejects discussing any ceasefire with Hezbollah as an independent party. This stance reflects the Israeli side's insistence on limiting diplomatic engagement to the official institutions of the Lebanese state only.
In the field context, Hebrew media sources revealed a change in Israeli military attack policy on Lebanon, where any raid targeting the capital Beirut now requires personal and direct approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This measure comes in response to a direct request from US President Donald Trump to reduce escalation in populated areas.
Informed sources reported a very significant reduction in the pace of Israeli airstrikes in recent hours, despite no official announcement of a comprehensive truce. The political leadership in Israel is imposing strict restrictions on military operations coinciding with the ongoing preparations for the anticipated Washington meeting on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem sent a written message in which he affirmed the continuation of the resistance approach in confronting Israeli aggression. Qassem warned Lebanese officials against making what he described as 'free concessions' to the Israeli side, emphasizing the need to preserve the constants of the Lebanese position in any upcoming negotiations.
The initiative led by President Joseph Aoun is based on a comprehensive vision that includes establishing a complete truce and stopping all forms of Israeli aggression on Lebanese territories. The initiative also includes a sensitive clause related to providing logistical and technical support to the Lebanese army to enable it to extend its full control over areas of tension and confiscate illegal weapons.
The Lebanese government, through these moves, seeks to implement its previous decisions related to restricting weapons to the state, a plan approved in August 2025. This plan consists of five stages, aiming ultimately to disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its military depots and warehouses under national and international supervision.
Earlier in January, the Lebanese army announced the success of the first phase of the weapon restriction plan in the areas south of the Litani River. However, the military command warned that the continued Israeli occupation of some Lebanese sites and repeated aggressions hinder the completion of the remaining phases of the security plan.
In a related development, Washington had denied that the truce brokered by Pakistan between Iran and the United States included the Lebanese arena, despite Tehran and Islamabad's assurances to the contrary. This contradiction in news led to the continuation of violent military operations in Lebanon before reaching the latest understanding regarding the Washington meeting.
Reports from Tel Aviv indicate that the US administration may issue an official statement in the coming hours clarifying more details about the date of the talks and the terms of the ceasefire. These understandings largely depend on previous agreements reached in November 2024 that had not fully entered into force at that time.
Observers believe that entrusting the US Department of State with the role of direct mediator reflects Washington's desire to definitively end the conflict on Israel's northern front. These efforts face significant challenges, especially regarding Hezbollah's position, which clings to its weapons and links it to ending the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories.
Anticipation remains the master of the situation, awaiting the outcome of Tuesday's meeting in Washington, which the international community relies on to open a breach in the wall of the complex Lebanese crisis. Attention is focused on the Lebanese state's ability to assert its sovereignty and implement the weapon restriction plan amidst increasing international and field pressures.
Lebanese Presidency: The agreement is based on the initiative launched by President Joseph Aoun for diplomatic action and direct negotiation with Israel.
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Unprecedented Diplomatic Development: Lebanon and Israel Agree to Direct Negotiations in Washington on Tuesday