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What are the details of the diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct diplomatic talks today in more than 30 years. The talks are in Washington. They're intended to prepare negotiations aimed at resolving Israel's conflict. with Iranian proxy militants Hezbollah, who are based in Lebanon. NPR's Daniel Estrin reports from Tel Aviv.
Lebanon and Israel have never had formal relations, making today's talks rare. They come after more than a month of fighting between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah has fired at Israel, killing soldiers and civilians.
Israel invaded southern Lebanon, destroying tens of thousands of homes, according to Lebanese officials, and carrying out strikes, killing Hezbollah operatives and civilians. Today's talks at the U.S. State Department are between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors. Lebanon wants to negotiate a ceasefire. Israel wants Lebanon to take steps to disarm Hezbollah first.
Israel is preparing for a long-term occupation of southern Lebanon to keep Hezbollah away from Israel's border. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
Two members of Congress say they'll step down over allegations of sexual misconduct. Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez and California Democrat Eric Swalwell say they will leave the House, although exactly when isn't clear. Swalwell has strongly denied the accusations. NPR's Elena Moore reports NPR has not independently verified the allegations, and Swalwell has forcefully denied them.
The allegations sparked almost immediate political backlash. He lost key endorsements for his gubernatorial bid and ended up suspending his campaign Sunday night. But that didn't stop growing demands for him to leave Congress, too. More than 50 former Swalwell staffers called on him to resign, and a handful of House lawmakers indicated they would try to expel him as soon as this week.
NPR's Elena Moore reporting. Separately, two women who allege misconduct against Swalwell have now spoken publicly with CBS News. The housing market remained sluggish in March. Existing home sales fell 1 percent compared to a year ago. according to the National Association of Realtors. NPR's Stephen Bissaha reports the association is expecting the housing slump to continue.
The NAR is revising its housing forecast down for the year. That's because the war with Iran has raised the cost of borrowing, and that sent mortgage rates up. The association went from projecting a double-digit increase in existing home sales to just 4%. New home sales are projected to be flat.
The NAR says lower consumer confidence and softer job growth are also keeping buyers out of the market. Home prices also hit a record high for March. The median existing home sale was a bit less than $410,000. But the NAR says housing is actually getting more affordable since wages are growing faster than prices. Stephen Basaha, NPR News.
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