Lebanon and Israel will hold a new round of talks in Washington on May 14-15, aimed at advancing a possible peace deal, a US official said. The announcement comes despite renewed Israeli strikes and escalating violence involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas-linked targets in Gaza. The discussions highlight ongoing US efforts to stabilize a widening regional conflict.
A State Department official confirmed the upcoming meetings and said both sides would engage in diplomatic talks in Washington next week. The development follows weeks of renewed hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon front. Israeli forces recently carried out strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting a Hezbollah commander. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no immunity for Israel’s enemies.
Read more: Israeli attacks in Lebanon kill at least 13 people
Tensions have escalated since fighting resumed earlier this year between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli officials said the recent strike killed a senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force. Hezbollah has not confirmed the commander’s status but has continued cross-border attacks. Both sides have exchanged fire despite a ceasefire framework announced earlier under US mediation.
Meanwhile, the conflict has caused heavy casualties and displacement in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities report thousands killed and over a million displaced since fighting intensified. Israel says its operations aim to stop Hezbollah attacks and protect northern communities. However, Lebanese officials and Hezbollah accuse Israel of repeated violations of ceasefire understandings.
Read more: Four killed as Israel escalates Lebanon attacks
Separately, violence in Gaza continues alongside regional escalation. Reports confirmed the death of the son of a senior Hamas official after an Israeli strike in Gaza City. Israeli authorities have not commented on the incident. The latest developments underscore the widening scope of conflict across multiple fronts in the Middle East.