In what signals a potential diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Lebanon held their first talks in over 30 years Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

Israel’s ambassador, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon’s ambassador, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, met with U.S. officials to discuss a possible agreement. While Israeli officials have expressed doubt about Beirut’s ability or willingness to disarm Hezbollah, they believe the talks will promote and strengthen moderate voices in Lebanon. The Lebanese government’s desire to hold the talks also shows that it has had enough of Hezbollah’s reckless and dangerous fighting with Israel.

Israel is maintaining a double-track strategy in the meantime: holding diplomatic talks while intensifying its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Before the negotiations, Israel had made it clear that it would continue its operations in Lebanon despite the talks.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has sworn not to back down. Its leader, Naim Qassem, has bitterly denounced the talks, preemptively rejected any deal that may emerge from the talks, and said that Hezbollah has “prepared itself.” He also issued a chilling warning: Hezbollah may “kidnap enemy soldiers” as long as Israel continues its military operations.

The two sides are expected to deliver a joint statement, but another round of talks has not yet been scheduled.