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Israeli and Lebanese delegations are meeting for a second day of talks in Washington, DC, as the third round of direct negotiations between the two countries continues. The talks, hosted at the US State Department, come as Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon persist despite a ceasefire that is set to expire. At least seven people were killed in southern Lebanon on Friday, according to the Lebanese state news agency NNA, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The discussions, which began on Thursday and resumed Friday morning, are the third face-to-face meeting between the two sides this year. Both delegations, including each country's ambassador to the United States, arrived at the State Department on Friday, as reported by Al Jazeera. A US official described Thursday's eight-hour session as "productive and positive," with few details released about what was discussed, according to a US official quoted by Al Jazeera.

Coverage comparison

The talks have drawn attention from multiple outlets, with coverage varying in focus. Africa News reported that the third round of direct talks is taking place in the US, highlighting the deep divisions among Beirut residents over the discussions. The outlet quoted residents expressing hope for peace and skepticism about Israel's intentions, while noting that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues in southern Lebanon despite a US-backed truce.

Al Jazeera, which provided extensive coverage, emphasized the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing Israeli attacks. Several Al Jazeera reports described the talks as an attempt to "save a fragile ceasefire" that has been "repeatedly ignored by Israel." The outlet also reported that Lebanon does not recognise Israel, and that President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam support direct negotiations, while Hezbollah and its allies prefer indirect talks.

Al Jazeera also reported on the US role, with a Lebanese official telling Al Jazeera Arabic that Washington is trying to "de-escalate Israel's actions in Lebanon" and push for a solidification of the ceasefire. Another Al Jazeera report noted that Lebanese officials are "cautiously optimistic" that the two-day talks will yield a new ceasefire deal.

The Jerusalem Post provided details on the participants, reporting that for the first time, military representatives are taking part. The outlet identified Lebanon's military attaché in Washington and IDF Head of Strategy Brig.-Gen. Amichai Levin as attendees, along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa. The Jerusalem Post also reported that US President Donald Trump announced a three-week ceasefire, and that the talks aim "to discuss a framework for an agreement in greater depth," according to an Israeli official.

South China Morning Post focused on the official US announcement, reporting that the talks are part of a renewed push for a "comprehensive peace and security agreement." The outlet quoted a State Department statement accusing militant groups of "exploiting instability in southern Lebanon" to weaken the Lebanese state and threaten Israel's northern border.

While most outlets framed the talks as a diplomatic effort, some Al Jazeera reports were more critical, describing the ceasefire as "so-called" and highlighting continued Israeli "aggression." The coverage reflects divergent perspectives on the negotiations' prospects and the parties' intentions.

Key claims

  • The third round of talks between Israel and Lebanon opened in Washington on Thursday and continued on Friday, with military representatives participating for the first time, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera.
  • US President Donald Trump announced a three-week ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, according to the Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera.
  • Lebanon demands an end to Israeli attacks and occupation of its territory, as stated by Al Jazeera in its coverage of the talks.
  • Israel is focused on the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah, with both Al Jazeera and Africa News reporting this.
  • Hezbollah opposes direct negotiations with Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera, citing the group's leader Naim Qassem, who said the group would "not abandon the battlefield."
  • At least 2,896 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2, according to Lebanese officials cited by Africa News; Al Jazeera later reported the Lebanese Ministry of Health's figure of 2,951.
  • The US is trying to de-escalate Israel's actions in Lebanon, as reported by Al Jazeera, citing a Lebanese official.

Perspectives

Lebanese government: President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam support direct negotiations with Israel, hoping to secure a new ceasefire deal and address the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hezbollah's disarmament (as reported by Al Jazeera and Africa News).

Hezbollah: The group opposes direct negotiations with Israel and prefers indirect talks, with leader Naim Qassem stating that Hezbollah would "not abandon the battlefield" (as reported by Al Jazeera and Africa News).

Israel: Israeli officials focus on the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah and a potential normalisation agreement with Lebanon, while insisting that Hezbollah must disarm for peace (as reported by Al Jazeera, Africa News, and the Jerusalem Post).

United States: The US is hosting the talks and pushing for a comprehensive peace and security agreement, while accusing militant groups of exploiting instability in southern Lebanon (as reported by South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera).