The meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington on 23 April, held under US sponsorship, was the first such encounter in decades. Despite fierce opposition and violent threats from Iran and Hezbollah, Beirut pressed ahead with what was an exceptionally difficult decision.
Lebanon and Israel: negotiations and the end of Hezbollah is the cover story in this week’s issue of Al Majalla. More than a year and a half after President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam took office, the two leaders have begun making and implementing decisions that run counter to Hezbollah's vision for the country. Building on the ten-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, time will tell if these talks are a one-off or the beginning of a different path for Lebanon.
From demarcating land borders to water agreements, direct talks could bring about significant change. Will the government now begin taking tangible steps to end Hezbollah’s control over the state? Time will tell.
Read more:
1. Round 2: Lebanon-Israel talks inch forward by David Schenker
2. Defying Hezbollah, Israel and Lebanon start talking by Michael Horowitz
3. Are Damascus and Hezbollah headed for confrontation? by Subhi Franjieh
More stories will be published in the coming days
