Lebanon and Israel are set to hold talks in Washington next week to discuss a ceasefire and potential negotiations, the Lebanese presidency announced. The meeting, brokered by the United States, comes amid ongoing strikes targeting Hezbollah.
A man pulls a drum at the site of an Israeli strike in Tyre, Lebanon, Apr 8, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Adnan Abidi)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has signaled readiness for direct talks. The impending meeting follows a US-Iran ceasefire announcement, sparking debate over its applicability to the Lebanon conflict. The first diplomatic call to schedule the talks involved the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to Washington, along with the US ambassador to Lebanon. A ceasefire is Lebanon's priority before any negotiations commence.
Hostilities have resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Lebanese authorities report over 1,950 deaths, with Israeli strikes on Wednesday alone claiming 357 lives. Israel states it eliminated over 180 Hezbollah militants in Wednesday's strikes and has dismantled over 4,300 Hezbollah sites since the war began. Friday saw continued strikes in southern Lebanon, including an attack on a State Security office in Nabatiyeh, killing 13 personnel. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that this loss reinforces the determination for a ceasefire.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli targets, including rocket barrages and a missile strike on Ashdod. Israel had issued a warning of incoming strikes on densely populated areas of southern Beirut, though no immediate strikes were reported. Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent renewed Israeli airstrikes on Beirut.