US Discontent Over Lebanese Military's Refusal to Appear with Israeli Delegation

Washington-based MTV correspondent reported that there is noticeable dissatisfaction within certain US circles regarding the Lebanese military delegation's refusal to appear in a joint photo with the Israeli side.

He added that questions have emerged in some congressional corridors: Who instructed the officers to take this stance? Is the military delegation acting with clear authorization from the Lebanese state? Considering that the Lebanese government itself accepted direct negotiations under US auspices, is there a unified decision-making process within the Lebanese delegation between the political and military tracks? According to circulated information, this dissatisfaction has reached US entities responsible for funding and foreign relations, raising concerns about the future of US support for the Lebanese army.

The correspondent noted that, against this backdrop, negotiations are continuing today at the US State Department rather than the Pentagon, but with a more explicit security and military focus. The current agenda includes discussions on experimental zones, withdrawal schedules, oversight mechanisms, and the Lebanese army's role in any areas from which Israel might withdraw. The US proposal involves handing over certain areas to the Lebanese army, accompanied by US training and vetting of Lebanese units, while Israel would maintain a presence in a buffer zone near the border.

He further reported that Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Maawad is actively engaging with the US Congress and Senate. According to sources within the Senate cited by MTV, she is expected to hold a series of meetings with Senator Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, the body directly responsible for defense policies, military affairs, and security institution support.

The correspondent emphasized that Lebanon faces two tests today: the security negotiation at the US State Department and managing political dissatisfaction in Washington before it escalates into a broader debate over US military aid to the Lebanese army.

The negotiations are scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM Washington time, corresponding to 4:00 PM Beirut time.