Lebanon, Israel to hold new peace talks in US as truce nears end
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Jarjouaa on May 13, 2026. Israel intensified strikes on Lebanon on May 13 with the health ministry reporting 12 people killed in attacks targeting cars, mostly south of Beirut, despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. (Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP)
Lebanon and Israel are set to hold new peace talks in Washington starting Thursday, as their latest ceasefire agreement approaches its expiry amid continued violence and rising casualties.
The ceasefire, which began on April 17 and was later extended, is still officially in effect but has been repeatedly violated, with hundreds reported killed in Israeli strikes during the truce period, according to Lebanese authorities.
On the eve of the talks, Lebanon’s health ministry said 22 people, including eight children, were killed in intensified Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday. Around 40 locations in southern and eastern Lebanon were reportedly targeted.
The two sides last met on April 23 at the White House, where US President Donald Trump announced a short extension of the ceasefire and expressed optimism about reaching a broader agreement. However, a planned high-level summit between Israeli and Lebanese leaders did not take place due to ongoing security concerns.
According to Lebanese officials, the upcoming talks will focus on strengthening and sustaining the ceasefire, with priority given to stopping further civilian casualties and destruction.
Despite the truce, Israel has continued military operations against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, saying it will keep targeting threats. Israeli officials have maintained that “anyone who threatens the State of Israel will face consequences.”
Lebanon has reported more than 2,800 deaths since the conflict escalated in early March, including at least 200 children, while Hezbollah says many of those killed were its fighters.
The conflict, which has spread across the region, has further destabilized the Middle East and affected global economic conditions.
The United States, acting as mediator, has reiterated support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and called for the disarmament of Hezbollah as part of any long-term peace framework.
The Washington talks will be the third round of indirect negotiations between the two countries, which do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.
Unlike previous rounds, neither the US President nor the Secretary of State is expected to attend, as President Trump is currently on a state visit to China.
US mediation will be led by senior diplomats including the ambassadors to Israel and Lebanon, along with officials from the State Department.
Israel and Lebanon will each be represented by senior envoys and ambassadors, as both sides attempt to prevent the fragile ceasefire from collapsing completely.
