Lebanon says Israel talks set for Tuesday in USBEIRUT, Lebanon, April 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Lebanon's presidency said Friday that a meeting would be held with Israel in Washington next week to discuss a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war and the start of negotiations between the neighbours. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has repeatedly expressed readiness for direct talks with Israel since Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2 with rocket fire at Israel in support of its backer Iran, sparking massive Israeli strikes and a ground invasion. A Lebanese government official told AFP on Thursday that Lebanon wants a ceasefire before starting any negotiations with Israel. Meeting with his Lebanese counterpart to set up the talks, Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter "refused to discuss a ceasefire with the Hezbollah terrorist organization," he said in a statement afterward. Hezbollah has rejected direct talks between the two countries, instead calling for Israel's army to withdraw from Lebanon.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha April 11, 2026 03:18 UTC