Lebanon and Israel set for first direct talks in decades in Washington as Hezbollah rejects any deal

After more than a month of war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to open their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington — even as Hezbollah says it will not abide by any agreement that emerges. U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in the talks alongside Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad. Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and will not be represented. Wafiq Safa, a senior member of Hezbollah’s political council, said Monday that the group will not abide by any agreements made in the negotiations.

He spoke a day before the opening meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials. The conflict has taken a heavy toll in Lebanon. At least 2,089 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including 252 women, 166 children and 88 medical workers, while 6,762 others have been wounded, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said.

More than 1 million people are displaced. The Lebanese government hopes the talks will pave the way to an end to the war. While Iran has set ending the wars in Lebanon and the region as a condition for talks with the United States, Lebanon insists on representing itself.

With Hezbollah not participating and stating it will not accept the outcome, the scope of any agreement reached in Washington remains unclear.