Israel-Lebanon conflict resolution talks open in Washington

Jerusalem (ANTARA) - Israeli and Lebanese officials have begun a third round of peace talks in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 14, an Israeli government official told Xinhua.

The talks are expected to continue on Friday, May 15, although it is unclear whether the two sides will be able to reach an agreement.

The negotiations are being held at the U.S. State Department, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Israel is represented by its ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, and a number of senior security officials. The Lebanese delegation is led by its ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, and former Lebanese ambassador to the U.S., Simon Karam.

According to the Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the talks are aimed at disarming Hezbollah and reaching an agreement on the establishment of formal relations with Lebanon.

Israel wants to maintain its freedom to conduct air and ground operations against Hezbollah until an agreement is reached, while Lebanon is demanding that Israel withdraw its troops from Lebanese territory, end its attacks, and stop the destruction of villages near the border.

The latest round of fighting in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, causing no damage. Israel responded with a massive air strike and a ground invasion.