On April 18, 2023, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in discussions between Israel and Lebanon at the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C. The talks will include US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and State Department counsellor Michael Needham, along with the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh. The focus will be on enhancing dialogue to ensure long-term security along Israel's northern border while supporting Lebanon's sovereignty. Despite ongoing hostilities, a US State Department official emphasized that the conflict is primarily between Israel and Hezbollah, not Lebanon itself, allowing for diplomatic engagement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a willingness to pursue a genuine peace agreement with Lebanon, contingent upon the dismantling of Hezbollah's military capabilities. Concurrently, Iran's Foreign Ministry has stated it is in contact with Beirut to maintain ceasefire commitments, highlighting the fragile situation in the region.