Israel and Lebanon hold first direct talks since 1993

A US statement said the two sides had agreed to launch direct negotiations, at a time and place to be determined.

As talks begin, U.S. applies little pressure to Israel to stop the fighting in Lebanon.

Despite hailing the negotiations as a “historic milestone,” Washington did not call for a halt to Israeli strikes or for a withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

By Euan Ward

War and Peace: Israel brings Lebanon to negotiating table as airstrikes rain down on Beirut

François Picard welcomes Farès Boueiz, former Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Israeli-Lebanese talks in the US cannot be defined as a "breakthrough", explains the former Lebanese minister. He sees this as a technical prelude to meaningful negotiations. What we are witnessing is the exploratory stage of diplomacy. According to Boueiz, the fundamental issue lies in the misalignment of objectives. Lebanon approaches these discussions seeking an immediate ceasefire and the implementatio...

By François PICARD

This is what the historic Israel-Lebanon talks in the US actually achieved

Every way you try to force the pieces of this apocalyptic puzzle of US, Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the wider Middle East together, they simply do not fit - and everything is at stake, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew

By Bel Trew

No peace, no normalization: What Lebanon really wants - analysis

The key question is why Lebanon, which until recently boycotted Israel, labeled it an enemy and avoided any form of public engagement, is now actively seeking direct talks.

What's at stake as Israel and Lebanon hold first talks in more than three decades

Lebanon and Israel have begun rare direct talks in Washington DC, but deep divisions and ongoing violence could stall any deal.

The 8 at 8: Wednesday

Tax cuts on fuel to kick in, Israel and Lebanon launch direct negotiations, and toddler among those killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza