Lebanon culture minister confirms Israel talks in Washington next week

Lebanon’s Minister of Culture Ghassan Salamé confirmed that preparations are underway for direct talks with Israel, expected to take place in Washington next week, and urged the introduction of a temporary ceasefire to enable negotiations.

Salamé described the planned contacts as “a step forward”, saying discussions were being organised and could begin as early as Tuesday (April 14) with a preliminary meeting to determine the venue, timetable and agenda, Caliber.Az reports per French media.

He called for a 15-day ceasefire, arguing it would allow negotiators to engage under more stable conditions.

The announcement follows comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he had instructed his cabinet to open direct negotiations with Lebanon. According to Netanyahu, the talks would focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the potential for establishing formal peace relations between the two countries, which remain technically at war.

Salamé acknowledged that disarming Hezbollah “cannot be done with a magic wand”, noting the issue has persisted for decades. He also said Lebanon had previously proposed direct talks, without receiving a response from the Israeli side.

The initiative has been rejected by Hezbollah, which continues to demand an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Cross-border hostilities have persisted, with both sides reporting rocket and drone attacks in recent days amid escalating tensions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev