Washington, April 15 -- Israel and Lebanon opened direct diplomatic talks in Washington on Tuesday, a "historic opportunity" in decades aimed at outlining a framework for permanent peace so that the people of both countries can live in safety and prosperity.
The first such engagement in over 30 years came after more than a month of fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said no immediate breakthrough was expected, but the meeting represented a crucial step toward long-term stability.
"The hope today is that we can outline the framework upon which a permanent, lasting peace can be developed so that the people of Israel can live in peace and the people of Lebanon can live, not just in pea...