Joint statement on the Lebanese-Israeli talks in Washington: Agreement to launch a direct negotiating track

The U.S. Department of State issued a statement following a trilateral meeting held on April 14, 2026, with the participation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Advisor Michael Needham, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Mouawad.

The meeting marked the first high-level contact between the Governments of Israel and Lebanon since 1993, during which participants held what were described as productive discussions on the steps required to launch direct negotiations between the two countries.

The United States congratulated both countries on what it called “this historic achievement,” expressing its “support for continuing the talks, as well as for the Lebanese government’s plans to restore the state’s monopoly over arms and to end excessive Iranian influence. It also expressed hope that these talks would go beyond the framework of the 2024 agreement and lead to a comprehensive peace agreement. It affirmed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself against ongoing attacks by Hezbollah.” It further emphasized that “any agreement to halt hostilities must be concluded between the two governments, under U.S. sponsorship, and not through any parallel track.” It also noted that “these negotiations could open the door to significant assistance for Lebanon’s reconstruction and economic recovery, as well as expanded investment opportunities for both countries.”