The United States, Lebanon, and “Israel” announced in a joint statement that they held a trilateral meeting at the US State Department on April 14, 2026, bringing together American, Israeli, and Lebanese officials, amid ongoing Israeli massacres across Lebanon and legal issues under Lebanon’s 1955 Boycott Law and penal code provisions prohibiting contact with the Israeli enemy.
According to the statement, the parties agreed to launch direct negotiations between Lebanon and “Israel” at a time and location to be determined later. The meeting marks the first high-level contact between the Lebanese and Israeli governments since 1993, and discussions focused on the steps required to initiate a formal negotiation process.
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The United States expressed support for the continuation of talks and for the Lebanese government’s plan to establish a state monopoly over weapons. It also stressed that any agreement to halt hostilities should be concluded between the two governments and under US sponsorship. Washington further reaffirmed what it described as “Israel’s right to defend itself,” while expressing hope that the talks could lead to a comprehensive peace agreement extending beyond the understandings reached in 2024.
For its part, “Israel” emphasized the need to disarm non-state armed groups and dismantle their infrastructure, stating its readiness to engage in direct negotiations aimed at resolving outstanding issues and reaching a lasting peace settlement.
Lebanon, meanwhile, reiterated the importance of full implementation of the November 2024 cessation of hostilities declaration, underscoring national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also called for a ceasefire and measures to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing war.
The statement added that the proposed negotiations could pave the way for international assistance for reconstruction and Lebanon’s economic recovery, as well as expanded investment opportunities, should the parties reach mutual understandings.
Inside ‘Israel’s’ scheme to devour Lebanon
Direct Lebanese–Israeli talks began on the evening of April 14 in Washington after both delegations arrived at the US State Department headquarters, marking an initial round of direct contacts amid an ongoing Israeli war on Lebanon.
Al Mayadeen‘s correspondent in Geneva reported that “Israel” has set out sweeping and controversial conditions for the talks, including a proposed three-zone framework for southern Lebanon.
Under the reported plan, the first zone would be a permanent buffer area extending eight kilometers deep, where displaced residents would not be allowed to return. A second zone south of the Litani River would be designated as an Israeli military operational area aimed at dismantling and disarming Hezbollah, with Israeli forces remaining until the “mission” is completed. The third zone would include areas north of the Litani and the rest of Lebanon, where the Lebanese army would be responsible for dismantling Hezbollah independently.
The correspondent added that the core Israeli demand is that no full withdrawal would take place until “Hezbollah is eliminated,” describing the proposal as raising significant concerns over Lebanon’s sovereignty and future decision-making.
On the ground, protests were held in Beirut in front of the Serail, with demonstrators rejecting the direct talks. Meanwhile, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Qassem rejected direct contacts with “Israel”, stating that such decisions cannot be taken unilaterally or under foreign pressure.
