Washington, 15 April (H.S.): The first round of direct US‑mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon has concluded. The talks, held after roughly three decades of no direct contact, are being seen as an important step toward restoring regional peace, though no concrete agreement on a ceasefire has yet been reached.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, described his two‑hour meeting with Lebanon’s envoy, Nada Hamadeh, as “highly positive.” He said several key proposals and ideas had been discussed and would now be presented to their respective governments.

However, on the issue of a ceasefire, Israel has adopted a firm stance and refused to commit to any binding pause in hostilities. Leiter stressed that the priority remained the security of Israeli civilians and that military operations would continue as long as attacks from across the border persisted.

He described Hezbollah as weakened but added that Israel would not compromise on its security. At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of improved and more formal relations between Lebanon and Israel in the future.

According to Lebanon’s state‑run agency, the negotiations are an initial attempt to reduce rising tensions along the border and move toward a lasting settlement. Both sides may meet again for further talks in the coming weeks.

Even though the first round has not produced an immediate ceasefire, the restoration of dialogue itself is considered a positive signal, one that could pave the way for a more substantive peace process in the months ahead.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar