U.S. Envoy urges Lebanon to hold direct talks with Israel
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, urged on Saturday Lebanon to begin direct negotiations with Israel, emphasizing that dialogue is the key to reducing regional tensions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Bahrain, Barrack said, “The conversation needs to be with Israel. It just needs to be with Israel. Israel is ready.”
Although a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah in November 2024, Israeli forces have remained stationed at five points in southern Lebanon, maintaining a state of alert.
Barrack acknowledged Lebanese leaders’ concerns, saying, “March to that door, to Israel, and have a conversation, it can’t hurt.” He added that Lebanon’s leadership is “rightly nervous” about such talks, according to remarks reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The envoy also expressed Washington’s willingness to facilitate the process, stating, “If you want to do that, we’ll help. We’ll put pressure on Israel to be reasonable.”
Lebanese authorities have so far held indirect negotiations with Israel, but Barrack suggested that direct dialogue could be the key to easing border tensions and advancing stability.