Episode Details

Israeli troops have launched an attack to seize a key town in ​south Lebanon from Hezbollah fighters; with the death toll in Lebanon now exceeding two-thousand since the start of the war.

The operation comes on the eve of rare talks between the two countries, with the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors -- to the United States - set to meet this week in Washington.

It marks a break in tradition, as the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations.

Lebanon's foreign minister says his country will use the negotiations to press for a ceasefire in the war but ‌Israel says such discussions are off the table.  

• GUEST: David Satterfield, former US ambassador to Lebanon and Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues
• PRODUCER: Pip Cook