On Tuesday, following more than a month of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, Lebanon and Israel held their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the talks as a “historic opportunity”, but made it clear that no breakthrough agreement would be reached immediately.

Hezbollah opposed direct negotiations and did not send representatives. At the start of the talks, it appeared to have stepped up its attacks on northern Israel.

Hezbollah and other critics argue that the Lebanese government lacks influence and should back Iran’s position. Wafiq Safa, a senior member of the militant group’s political committee, said the organization would not abide by any agreement reached during the negotiations.