Lebanon-Israel Direct Talks on Ceasefire

Lebanon and Israel are holding a second session of direct talks in Washington, D.C., to discuss extending a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and to plan future negotiations. These talks, the first direct engagement in three decades, aim to achieve a permanent end to the war, Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon, release of Lebanese prisoners, deployment of Lebanese troops along the border, and reconstruction. The latest conflict began on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, following attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran. Israel responded with bombardment and a ground invasion, currently occupying a 10-kilometer buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Despite Hezbollah's opposition and stated refusal to abide by any agreements, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun and Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad are pushing for an extension of the ceasefire and an end to Israeli home demolitions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa ar has called for Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, which he views as the main obstacle to peace.