• In April, the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon since 1993 took place in Washington, despite ongoing fighting in southern Lebanon.
  • Hezbollah, a key party to the conflict, is not involved in the talks, limiting chances of success and legitimacy of any outcome.
  • Hezbollah supports only indirect diplomacy, while Israel uses its military superiority as ’escalation potential'.
  • Analysts warn that the talks reflect power imbalances and do not represent a transition to peace but rather entrenchment of existing dynamics.