Washington: Israeli and Lebanese representatives have begun discussions in Washington aimed at addressing unresolved issues between the two neighboring countries and developing a framework for implementing existing security arrangements.

The talks involve the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors and are being conducted with American diplomatic involvement. The discussions focus on mechanisms for implementing agreements and reducing continuing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon frontier.

The diplomatic effort comes after years of instability between Israel and Lebanon, including repeated military confrontations involving Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese armed group.

A central objective of the latest discussions is to establish practical arrangements that can help prevent further escalation and provide clearer mechanisms for addressing disputes.

Lebanon and Israel do not maintain normal diplomatic relations, making direct discussions between their representatives particularly significant. Previous negotiations have generally relied heavily on intermediaries and international involvement.

The United States has been working to encourage implementation of security arrangements and maintain communication between the two sides.

The talks are not being presented as a comprehensive peace agreement. Instead, the immediate focus is on practical security and diplomatic mechanisms that could help stabilize the situation.

The Israel-Lebanon border has remained highly sensitive because military activity in the area can quickly affect surrounding communities and wider regional security.

Lebanese and Israeli authorities have continued to exchange positions on outstanding issues, while international officials have encouraged both sides to maintain communication.

The Washington discussions could provide an additional channel for addressing disagreements without relying exclusively on military or public diplomatic exchanges.

Any progress will depend on the ability of the two sides to reach practical understandings on the issues under discussion and implement them through appropriate mechanisms.

The talks are therefore being closely watched as part of broader international efforts to reduce tensions in the region and establish more predictable security arrangements between Israel and Lebanon.