Fifth round of Lebanon-Israel talks opens in Washington

US Counselor Dan Holler and Assistant Defense Secretary Daniel Zimmerman opened the fifth round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations on Tuesday at the State Department in Washington, DC, launching three days of talks aimed at ending the cycle of violence between the neighboring states, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. An American official speaking on condition of anonymity said Holler and Zimmerman kicked off the proceedings with a joint military and political session, followed by separate military and political closing rounds. "Manifests are otherwise the same as last time for political and military," the official said.

US seeks comprehensive agreement

The anonymous US official emphasized Washington's commitment to the process, stating: "Our shared goal is to end the cycle of violence for good, We are enabling Israel and Lebanon to negotiate as two sovereign states and to find a way to have peace and security. The talks will continue to advance a comprehensive peace and security agreement between the two countries. Further details will be available soon," the official said. The latest round marks the fifth session since April, following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding that entered into force on June 18 with electronic signatures by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Conflict toll

The negotiations come amid continued bloodshed in Lebanon, where Israeli attacks have killed more than 4,100 people and injured over 12,000 others since March 2, according to official Lebanese figures. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war. Tuesday's talks are scheduled to continue through June 25.