Lebanon–Israel military talks open at Pentagon

BEIRUT — A meeting between Lebanese and Israeli military delegations began Friday at 3 p.m. Beirut time (8 a.m. in Washington), according to Lebanese media, marking the first talks held strictly at the military level.

The discussions are expected to focus on security issues as Israel intensifies its offensive against Lebanon. A Lebanese military source told AFP the delegation would stress the need to end hostilities and present an army plan to extend state authority across the country. The Lebanese side is led by operations chief Gen. Georges Rizkallah and includes six officers from various specialties, while Israel is represented by Brig. Gen. Amichai Levin, head of the strategic division in the army’s planning directorate.

The talks are part of direct negotiations between the two sides, with Lebanon seeking an Israeli withdrawal and Israel demanding Hezbollah’s disarmament. The United States and Israel aim to coordinate with the Lebanese Army on such a plan. A political-level meeting is also expected early next week under the auspices of former ambassador Simon Karam.

The Washington talks come as Israeli forces escalate strikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, including toward Nabatieh. In parallel, President Joseph Aoun told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a cease-fire is a prerequisite for any diplomatic progress, while Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to advancing previous understandings.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah resumed on March 2 and has since killed more than 3,300 people and wounded around 10,000, leaving widespread destruction. Lebanese authorities, backed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, are pursuing direct negotiations, a path rejected by Hezbollah.