The fourth round of direct negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese officials began Tuesday at the U.S. State Department in Washington, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Another diplomatic effort is being taken to ease tensions along the volatile Israel–Lebanon border. The talks come at a particularly sensitive moment, as violence in southern Lebanon continues to intensify despite the existence of a ceasefire framework, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.
According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA), representatives from both countries are participating in discussions aimed at addressing security concerns, reducing hostilities, and preventing further escalation.
US President Donald Trump, who first announced the agreement, said Hezbollah, through intermediaries, had pledged not to attack Israel. No U.S. president has ever spoken with Hezbollah, with or without intermediaries. The U.S. has designated the group as a terrorist organization.
Trump also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to pull back any troops preparing to attack Beirut.
The negotiations are being closely monitored by regional and international stakeholders who view diplomatic engagement as critical to maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The renewed dialogue takes place against the backdrop of escalating military exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah. In recent weeks, cross-border attacks, air strikes, and military operations have increased in frequency and intensity, fueling concerns that the conflict could spiral beyond localized clashes.
Spain strongly condemned the renewed violence, warning that Israel’s expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon violate the country’s sovereignty, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and threaten ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Madrid also expressed concern over civilian casualties, damage to homes and infrastructure, and attacks on healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israel to exercise restraint and called on Hezbollah to disarm, describing the latest escalation as deeply concerning.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the United States supports potential Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs if Hezbollah launches attacks on northern Israel. The comments followed U.S.-led efforts that reportedly helped prevent an immediate escalation involving the Lebanese capital.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Israeli air strikes continued across southern Lebanon on Tuesday, targeting areas in the Nabatieh and Tyre districts. Lebanese health authorities said the number of people injured in Monday’s strike near Jabal Amel Hospital in Tyre has risen to 127, including 39 healthcare workers. At least four people were killed.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated support for negotiations as the only path to ending the conflict, warning that internal divisions would only benefit Israel. He noted that more than 3,000 people have been killed, around one million displaced, and thousands of homes destroyed since the conflict intensified.
