The first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon are set to be held in Washington on Tuesday, April 14, Israeli media reported on Saturday.
”The first in-person meeting in the expected negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will take place on Tuesday in Washington,” the Times of Israel said.
A preparatory phone meeting between Lebanese Ambassador to Washington Nada Hamadeh, Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter and US Ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa was held on Friday, marking the first ever call between the Israeli and Lebanese Ambassadors.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said earlier this week that Israel will hold direct talks with Lebanon ”as soon as possible.”
In a related development, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Baqher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Friday night ahead of Saturday’s peace talks with the United States.
The US delegation had already arrived in Islamabad.
After arriving in Islamabad, Ghalibaf said Iran does not have any trust in the US, although there is ”goodwill” toward negotiations. He said Iran is ready to conclude a deal if US offered ”genuine agreement” and granted Iran its rights.
Iran said earlier that one of the conditions for negotiations with the US include a ceasefire in Lebanon.
However, US and Israel refused to include Lebanon.
The Iranian delegation includes senior political, military and economic officials, Defence Council Secretary, and several members of Iranian Parliament.
