Lauren Frayer

Lauren Freyer, NPR News, Beirut.

Israel and Lebanon have fought several wars.

They treat each other as enemy states.

Anyone who's ever set foot in Israel is technically not allowed to enter Lebanon.

So direct negotiations between these two countries would be historic.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says they'll focus on disarming Hezbollah and arranging peaceful relations.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaz Salam has pledged to restrict weapons to, quote, legitimate forces only.

And Netanyahu said he appreciates that.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says he wants a ceasefire first, followed by direct negotiations.

A person briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak publicly tells NPR the talks will take place between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington.

Lauren Freyer, NPR News, Beirut.

NPR's Lauren Frayer has more from Beirut.

Israel and Lebanon have fought several wars.

They treat each other as enemy states.

Anyone who's ever set foot in Israel is technically not allowed to enter Lebanon.

So direct negotiations between these two countries would be historic.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says they'll focus on disarming Hezbollah and arranging peaceful relations.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaz Salam has pledged to restrict weapons to, quote, legitimate forces only.

And Netanyahu said he appreciates that.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says he wants a ceasefire first, followed by direct negotiations.