Israel and Lebanon hold direct diplomatic talks in Washington

These US-brokered talks occurred on April 14, 2026, at the State Department, marking the first direct high-level contact between the two nations since 1993. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad for over two hours.

The discussions focused on ending the month-long war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has killed over 2,100 people and displaced more than 1 million in Lebanon. Both sides agreed to pursue further direct negotiations for a sustainable peace, emphasizing Hezbollah’s disarmament and strengthening Lebanon’s government control.

Hezbollah, unrepresented and opposing the talks, escalated attacks on northern Israel as they began. Rubio called it a “historic opportunity” but noted no immediate breakthrough, amid ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. The talks followed a prior phone call between ambassadors and US encouragement from President Trump.