At the opening of direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese Ambassadors at the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the negotiations as a pivotal moment that could ensure stability and peace for residents of Lebanon and Israel.
“We are very honored to be joined by partners with whom the United States seeks strong relations, and we are pleased to serve this facilitating role. This is a historic opportunity,” Rubio said at the outset of the talks.
Acknowledging the weight of history behind the negotiations, Rubio emphasized the challenges ahead. “We understand that we are working against decades of history and complex realities that have brought us to this moment. While there are questions about a ceasefire, this effort goes beyond that,” he said.
According to Rubio, the discussions are aimed at addressing deeper structural issues in the region, particularly the role of Hezbollah. “It is about finding a permanent solution to decades of Hezbollah’s influence in the region — not only the damage inflicted on Israel, but also the damage inflicted on the Lebanese people,” he said.
He also pointed to the broader regional dimension, placing responsibility on Iran. “We must remember that the Lebanese people are victims of Hezbollah and victims of Iranian aggression. This must come to an end,” Rubio added.
Despite the high stakes, Rubio cautioned against expectations of immediate results, stressing that the talks mark only the beginning of a longer diplomatic track. “Our hope is to begin a process. The complexities involved will not be resolved in a matter of hours, but we can start building a framework for something positive and lasting,” he said.
He added that the ultimate goal is to create conditions for stability on both sides of the border. “One that allows the people of Lebanon to have the future they deserve, and the people of Israel to live without fear of attacks from an Iranian-backed proxy.”
“This is not a single event, but a process that will take time,” Rubio concluded. “However, we believe it is a worthwhile effort. Today, we aim to outline the foundations for a durable and lasting peace — one that ensures both security and prosperity for the region.”
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