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The announcement marks a potentially significant diplomatic shift in a long-running conflict. But the talks come amid continued Israeli bombardment, disagreement over ceasefire terms, and competing international pressures — raising questions about whether diplomacy can meaningfully alter the trajectory of the war.
According to Axios, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his government “to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.”
This is a notable change in Israeli policy, as officials had previously rejected diplomatic proposals and prioritized military operations against Hezbollah.
The move follows pressure from Washington, according to reports by Axios, “senior US officials said Witkoff asked Netanyahu to ‘calm down’ the strikes in Lebanon and open negotiations.”
Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed at least 254 people, according to Lebanese Civil Defense and Israel, hours after a US/Iran ceasfire, which, according to Iran and Pakistan’s prime minister, had included the Lebanese front.
Iran has threatened to abandon peace talks and has largely kept the Strait of Hormuz closed as a result of what it perceives as a breach of the areement.
Meanwhile the US and Israel deny that the ceasefire applies to Israel’s offensive against Lebanon.
The Lebanese government, with French backing, has pushed for direct talks as a pathway to de-escalation. Axios reports that the initiative aimed to “prevent a prolonged Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon” and potentially “open the door to a historic peace deal.”
However, Israel initially rejected these proposals. According to Axios, Israeli officials said that Netanyahu and his Cabinet had initially preferred to escalate the war against Hezbollah, before coming under US pressure.
Netanyahu has framed the negotiations in ambitious terms. In a statement quoted by Axios, he said the talks, “will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.”
The talks are expected to begin in Washington, with delegations led by the US ambassadors from both countries.
Several names have been circulated but it is likely that Lebanon will be represented by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad, who was formerly a manager at the World Bank Development Data Group and is considered a fresh and technocratic placement as part of the government reshuffle.
According to Lebanese News outlet, aside from her corporate career she has also worked with the Lebanese prime minister on policies for economic recovery, with a focus on attracting foreign direct investment to postwar Lebanon.
Moawad’s profile signals Lebanon’s interest in coupling political negotiations with economic stabilization and international engagement.
Israel will be represented by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, a seasoned political figure with close ties to Netanyahu and extensive experience in government.
According to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, Leiter has held several senior roles, including serving as an adviser to the late prime minister Ariel Sharon and “chief of staff to then-Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His background includes positions in education policy and state-owned enterprises.
Leiter’s public statements combine strategic alignment with the United States and a hardline security outlook.
His appointment, and his proximity to Netanyahu, suggest that Israel’s negotiating position will remain closely aligned with its current military strategy.