Beirut: Simon Karam, a former diplomat, is set to lead Lebanon's upcoming US-mediated direct talks with Israel aimed at ending hostilities. The negotiations follow a first round of talks held on April 15, marking the first such direct engagement between the two sides since 1993.
According to Anadolu Agency, Karam's diplomatic journey and political activism have positioned him as a prominent figure in Lebanon's public sphere. Born in 1950 in Jezzine, Karam is a member of the Maronite Christian community and graduated from Saint Joseph University in Beirut with a law degree. He began his public service career as the governor of the eastern Beqaa governorate in 1990. By 1992, he was named the Lebanese ambassador to Washington during the term of then-US President George H. W. Bush. Karam left this position in August 1993 due to institutional disagreements within Lebanese diplomacy, returning to Lebanon to continue his career as a lawyer.
In the early 2000s, Karam's influence expanded as he became a notable voice in Lebanon's political and intellectual circles. He was a member of the Qurnat Shahwan Gathering, a political framework formed by Christian politicians in 2001, and participated in national dialogues before the 2005 Independence Uprising, also known as the Cedar Revolution. Karam has been known for his opposition to Syrian influence in Lebanon and the presence of weapons outside state control, such as those held by Hezbollah. He also aligned with the March 14 Movement, which played a role in the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon in 2005.
Karam's diplomatic experience includes leading Lebanese delegations in Naqoura trilateral military talks involving Lebanon, Israel, and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. His inclusion in the December 2025 Naqoura meetings, representing a civilian and diplomatic component, sparked controversy among some Lebanese political figures who viewed it as a concession.
On Monday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun named Karam as head of the delegation for the upcoming talks with Tel Aviv, emphasizing that these discussions are separate from any other negotiations. A senior Lebanese official confirmed that the meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington on Thursday, with the US Department of State also verifying it.
Karam's involvement in these negotiations is seen as indicative of Lebanon's willingness to strengthen ties with the US and achieve successful outcomes in the peace talks. Since March 2, Israel's offensive in Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of around 2,300 people, injuries to more than 7,500, and the displacement of over 1 million individuals, according to official figures. US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, though the Lebanese army reported Israeli violations of the truce. The outcome of Thursday's talks remains uncertain.