Israel authorized Lebanon peace talks

In a significant shift in regional diplomacy, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold high-level talks in Washington next Tuesday.

The negotiations will focus on creating a buffer zone in southern Lebanon and ending the cross-border hostilities that have escalated since the start of the Iran war.

Lebanese officials have insisted that a complete ceasefire must be in place before any substantive agreements can be reached.

The U.S. is expected to mediate the discussions, which represent the first direct diplomatic engagement between the two neighbors in years.