Israel and Lebanon hold talks

Mediated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the preparatory talks in Washington seek to establish a framework for a potential ceasefire.

While the meeting is a historic milestone, expectations remain low as Hezbollah has already rejected the negotiations, calling them 'futile.' Israel continues to demand the total disarmament of the Iran-backed group as a prerequisite for any lasting peace.

Meanwhile, Lebanese officials insist on representing their own sovereign interests despite the immense internal pressure from militant factions.