The U.S. State Department announced progress in the fourth round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel after the first day of meetings in Washington, confirming continued work on political and security tracks with talks resuming Wednesday. Spokesman Tommy Pigott said “progress continues on both tracks.”

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated the main goal of these talks is “to establish a ceasefire across all of Lebanon,” adding negotiations are “the least costly option for Lebanon and its people.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio linked the possibility of a peace agreement to Hezbollah’s role, saying both sides could reach a deal “as soon as tomorrow” if not for the group. He blamed Iran for Hezbollah’s presence and insisted Washington will separate Lebanon-Israel talks from any negotiations with Tehran.

Suburb vs. Settlements  
The talks coincided with U.S. efforts to stabilize calm on the Lebanese front. President Donald Trump announced Monday a truce between Israel and Hezbollah, saying neither side would attack the other and claiming he stopped an Israeli strike on Beirut. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz spoke of a “new equation” whereby Israel would target Beirut’s southern suburb if northern towns were attacked, noting U.S. support for this principle and its communication to Lebanon.

The Lebanese embassy in Washington confirmed receiving assurances of Hezbollah’s approval of a U.S. proposal to halt Israeli strikes on the southern suburb in exchange for Hezbollah refraining from attacks, with the ceasefire later expanded to all Lebanese territory. However, Hezbollah political council deputy Mahmoud Qomati denied agreeing to the “suburb-for-settlements” formula, insisting on a comprehensive ceasefire and rejecting partial deals. He warned that any strike on the suburb could trigger a “deeper and stronger” response.

Escalation in the South  
Meanwhile, escalation continued in southern Lebanon. Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple areas, while Hezbollah announced targeting Israeli forces inside Lebanese territory without striking northern Israel. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported casualties from raids across the south.