Lebanon-Israel Negotiations Continue with Complex Challenges, Says US Ambassador

Before the final negotiation session between Lebanon and Israel in Washington during the fifth round of talks, which lasted three consecutive days and began at 4 p.m. today, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Aoun stated that the negotiations are ongoing and coordination continues, but the situation is more complicated than merely establishing a ceasefire.

The third session of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel commenced today as part of the third day of the fifth round of discussions held under US auspices.

The Lebanese delegation had earlier arrived at the US State Department to participate in this round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations.

The Israeli government announced that the talks with Lebanon focus on redeploying its army in southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah, which Israel considers a fundamental condition for its withdrawal.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised progress made in the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, stating, "The results from yesterday’s talks were very good."

During a visit to Bahrain, Rubio told journalists, "I believe we are very close to achieving our hopes for a letter of intent between the two countries."

Meanwhile, Reuters cited a US State Department official reporting that Israel has withdrawn from a portion of the buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

The official described the Israeli withdrawal as a goodwill gesture toward the Lebanese government.

An Israeli official stated that the Lebanese army should now move into the area from which Israel withdrew.

However, the Israeli army denied receiving any orders to withdraw from the buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported, "The Israeli army has not withdrawn from any area in Lebanon and no decision has been made in this regard."

Israel Hayom quoted Israeli officers stationed at a Lebanese site as saying they had not received any instructions to withdraw from their position.

Channel 13 reported that Israel will continue to maintain control over most areas of southern Lebanon.

A Lebanese source denied the Reuters report quoting a US official about Israeli forces withdrawing from a section of the buffer zone they occupy and are daily attempting to expand.

Earlier today, information indicated that Israel is avoiding any discussion of a withdrawal timetable during the Lebanon-Israel negotiations and is imposing very difficult conditions for withdrawal.

The information added that more than ten proposals for trial areas submitted by the Lebanese delegation and the US side failed to gain approval from the Israelis, who insist that the army operate only in areas outside the occupation zone south and north of the Litani River.

It was noted that the Lebanese and Israeli military delegations discussed a security annex, but many points remain contentious regarding the wording and substance, such as linking withdrawal to the complete disarmament, although there is agreement on other points.

Separately, it was reported that President Joseph Aoun briefed Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on the negotiation results and communications, but no meetings are scheduled soon with him or representatives of Hezbollah.

Regarding the refusal to take photographs with the Israeli delegation, a military source confirmed that some positions expressed yesterday about the Lebanese military delegation’s refusal to take a commemorative photo with the Israeli delegation reflect a misunderstanding of the mission’s nature and the sensitivity of the current phase Lebanon is undergoing.

The source explained that the delegation attended to carry out a specific national mission within its granted mandate, preserving Lebanese interests and national constants, emphasizing that the success of any negotiations is measured by the outcomes serving Lebanon, not by commemorative photos or ceremonial appearances.

The source added that the blood of military martyrs who fell due to deliberate Israeli attacks has not yet dried, and the effects of aggression remain evident in many Lebanese regions, necessitating respect for Lebanese sentiments and adherence to what aligns with the sacrifices made in defense of the homeland.

Furthermore, the source indicated that the military delegation maintains the highest levels of professionalism and discipline, approaching its task with full national responsibility, away from any media or promotional considerations, based on a firm conviction that serving Lebanon and defending its interests remain the sole criteria governing the military institution’s performance.