The first negotiations in the Middle East conflict. The talks will be mediated by Trump's son-in-law
Israel and Lebanon are to hold direct negotiations in the coming days, the first since the beginning of the war in Iran that also drew Lebanon into the conflict, writes the Israeli publication Haaretz, quoted by Reuters.
Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will be involved in the talks that will take place in Paris or Cyprus, Haaretz wrote, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
The Israeli delegation will be led by Ron Dermer, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The talks are expected to focus on ending hostilities in Lebanon and disarming the pro-Iranian Shiite group Hezbollah.
Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Israel subsequently launched an intense bombing campaign against the Lebanese group, killing more than 770 people and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.
On March 9, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused pro-Iranian Hezbollah of wanting “to cause the collapse of Lebanon” and proposed “direct negotiations” with Israel.
He proposed “a total armistice” with Israel and declared himself in favor of direct negotiations between the two countries under international patronage. Aoun also requested logistical support for the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah.
