Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold direct talks in the coming days, according to Haaretz, in what would mark the first such contact since the latest regional war expanded to include Lebanon. The talks could take place in either Cyprus or Paris, the Israeli newspaper reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
According to Haaretz, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, is expected to participate in the discussions, while Israel’s delegation is likely to be led by Ron Dermer, one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s closest advisers. Reuters said Lebanese officials have begun forming a delegation, but that Beirut is seeking assurances of a ceasefire before any meeting takes place.
The reported talks are expected to focus on ending the fighting in Lebanon and on the question of Hezbollah’s disarmament. That diplomatic push comes as broader proposals are also being discussed. Axios reported on Saturday that France has drafted a framework aimed at ending the war, reaffirming commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the 2024 ceasefire, while pushing for the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces south of the Litani River and an eventual Israeli withdrawal from territory captured during the current fighting.
Source: Haaretz, Reuters, Axios