Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter publicly thanked his Lebanese counterpart, Ambassador Hammad (Hala Hamadeh? – full name not given in source), for conducting tough negotiations, calling her a model of patriotism and saying she fought 'like a lioness.' The rare public praise between diplomats of countries technically at war signals a potential shift in tone amid ongoing ceasefire talks, though Leiter did not specify which negotiations he referred to. The remarks were broadcast by the Abu Ali Express channel.
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter issued an unusual public tribute to his Lebanese counterpart, whose name is given as Hammad (likely Hala Hamadeh, the Lebanese ambassador to Washington since 2024). In a brief statement circulated by the Abu Ali Express channel, Leiter said: 'I want to thank Ambassador Hamadeh for conducting very tough negotiations. You and your team set an example of patriotism for your country. You fought like a lioness, Madam Ambassador.'
The remark is extraordinary given that Israel and Lebanon remain technically in a state of war, and no peace negotiations are publicly known to be underway. The source did not specify which negotiations Leiter was referring to — it may relate to the ongoing US-mediated ceasefire framework between Israel and Hezbollah that has been in place since November 2024 but remains fragile, or to separate talks on maritime border delineation.
Leiter's gesture comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, with recent exchanges between the two countries' diplomats typically being confrontational. The Zioneer has previously covered Leiter's statements regarding Israeli commitment to the ceasefire, threats from Iran, and warnings about the US approach to Lebanon talks. This instance marks a notable detour into cross-aisle diplomatic courtesy.
The Lebanese side has not yet responded publicly. The exact context of the 'tough negotiations' remains unclear, and no official Israeli or Lebanese government statement has been issued on the matter as of this writing.
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