Historic Breakthrough: Israel and Lebanon to Hold Direct Talks

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold direct negotiations for the first time in nearly three decades. The United States announced the diplomatic breakthrough. A U.S. statement confirmed that both sides have agreed to launch the talks. The exact time and location for the negotiations will be decided later. The last official, direct talks between the two neighboring countries took place in 1993. They have remained technically at war since Israel's founding in 1948. The upcoming discussions are expected to focus on establishing a permanent maritime border. This issue is critical for both nations' rights to explore offshore energy resources in the Mediterranean Sea.