An important meeting commenced on Thursday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S. President Joe Biden’s Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein, alongside White House Middle East advisor Brett McGurk.

According to Russia Today, Hochstein and McGurk earlier met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.

The discussions are focused on achieving a resolution in Lebanon, negotiating a deal for the release of hostages, and addressing the escalating tensions with Iran.

Netanyahu told visiting U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein and U.S. Middle East adviser Brett McGurk that any ceasefire deal with Lebanon's Hezbollah would have to guarantee Israel's security.

"The prime minister specified that the main issue is not paperwork for this or that deal, but Israel's determination and capacity to ensure the deal's application and to prevent any threat to its security from Lebanon," Netanyahu's office said after the meeting took place in Jerusalem.