Israel and Lebanon to Hold Rare Direct Talks, U.S. Announces

The United States has announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin direct negotiations. The talks will focus on a long-standing border dispute. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said, "All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue." The U.S., which helped mediate the agreement, expressed hope it could lead to a "comprehensive peace deal." The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations and are technically in a state of war. The planned talks are rare and significant. The main topic will be establishing a permanent maritime boundary. This border in the Mediterranean Sea is important for offshore gas exploration. Both Israel and Lebanon claim ownership of a hydrocarbon-rich area. Resolving the dispute could reduce tensions and allow both nations to develop valuable energy resources.