April 15 (UPI) — Delegations from Lebanon and Israel have concluded negotiations in Washington, the first diplomatic talks between the neighboring countries in decades as they seek an end to their ongoing conflict.
Israel has for years been in conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, but it has increased its offensive amid its war with Iran.
Confusion has hung over the war in Lebanon after a cease-fire was called last week, with Pakistan and Iran saying the truce included Beirut, but Israel and the United States claiming otherwise.
The trilateral meeting between Lebanon, Israel and the United States in Washington on Tuesday was “productive,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott said in a statement after the talks were concluded.
He described the discussion as being centered on “steps toward launching direct negotiations” between the two nations.
“The United States congratulated the two countries on this historic milestone and expressed its support for further talks, and for the government of Lebanon’s plans to restore the monopoly of force and to end Iran’s overbearing influence,” he said.
“The United States affirmed that any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track.”
He added that the talks have potential “to unlock significant reconstruction assistance and expand investment opportunities for both countries.”
It was the first major high-level talks between Lebanon and Israel since 1993.
No date was mentioned for future talks.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who participated in the talks, told reporters ahead of the meeting that it was an “historic opportunity.”
He said the meeting is not just about securing a cease-fire, but bringing a permanent end to the decades of Hezbollah’s destabilizing influence in the region.
“We have to remember the Lebanese people are victims of Hezbollah,” he told reporters. “The Lebanese people are victims of Iranian aggression. And this needs to stop.”
He attempted to calm expectations by stating the six hours of talks would not resolve the complexities before them but that he hoped they could begin to move toward creating a framework for the two countries to live side-by-side in peace.
“This is more than just one day. This will take time,” he said. “But we believe it’s worth this endeavor, and it’s a historic gathering that we hope to build on, and the hope today is that we can outline the framework upon which a permanent and lasting peace can be developed,” he said.