US meditators hail "positive" progress as Lebanon-'Israel' talks conclude in Washington

• US-mediated Lebanon-'Israel' talks conclude in Washington with "positive" progress toward a long-term security framework.

A critical two-day diplomatic summit between Lebanese and 'Israeli' delegations concluded at the US State Department on Friday, with American mediators describing the discussions as "productive and positive." The talks, held under heavy US mediation, aimed to shore up a fragile ceasefire and chart a path toward a long-term security agreement.

The meetings represented the third round of direct negotiations between the two parties since hostilities escalated earlier this year. While both sides remain technically at war, the US-led effort has sought to transform a tenuous truce, currently set to expire on Sunday, May 17, into a more sustainable armistice. Despite the optimistic tone from the State Department, the talks took place against a backdrop of ongoing violence on the ground.

The primary focus for the Lebanese delegation, led by special envoy Simon Karam, was the consolidation of the ceasefire. Beirut has insisted that an end to 'Israeli' airstrikes is a prerequisite for any broader political agreement. Conversely, the 'Israeli' delegation, led by Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, maintained that a permanent peace is contingent on the complete disarmament of Hezbollah. 'Israel' continues to target what it describes as Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, even as talks progressed.

Lebanon reaffirmed its demand for a full 'Israeli' withdrawal from southern border points and the restoration of state authority over all its territory. Meanwhile, US mediators, including Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, pressed for a "failure protocol" to ensure enforcement of any future deal.

The humanitarian cost of the conflict loomed over the State Department meetings. On the eve of the talks, Lebanese health officials reported that 22 people, including eight children, were killed in 'Israeli' strikes. A senior Lebanese official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the first priority must be to put an end to the death and destruction.

While a historic summit between 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, initially predicted by President Trump, did not materialize during this round, officials suggest the groundwork is being laid.

The US is expected to announce whether the current ceasefire will be extended for another term or if a new security framework has been reached to prevent a return to full-scale war. With President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio currently on a state visit to China, the finalization of the Washington results is expected early next week.