Israel-Lebanon negotiations resume in Washington after Hezbollah claims IDF violated ceasefire

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon aimed at establishing "pilot areas" for Israeli troop withdrawal resumed in Washington on Tuesday. The talks, mediated by the U.S., are intended to allow the Lebanese army to demonstrate its capacity to disarm Hezbollah.

Just as the discussions began, Hezbollah accused the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) of violating the ceasefire. The group claimed that IDF soldiers opened fire on civilians near Nabatiya, resulting in two deaths and two injuries. Hezbollah described the alleged incident as "treacherous" and a "blatant violation" of the truce, asserting that the resistance group had been upholding its end.

“

We are heading into a new round that we hope will be decisive on the path to accomplishing what we want for the good of our country and people, and this good we see in restoring Lebanon's full sovereignty over every inch of soil and extending the state's authority over all our land.

Lebanese media also reported that negotiators were considering a potential exchange: the remains of missing Israeli Air Force navigator Ron Arad, who disappeared in 1986, for Lebanese prisoners. Israeli officials stated they had no new information on Arad but would welcome any intel from Lebanese officials. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated his government's demand for an end to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, emphasizing the restoration of full sovereignty.

The Hezbollah statement followed an IDF strike on an armed Hezbollah cell operating near soldiers in southern Lebanon. Lebanese media also reported a drone strike on a parked vehicle in the same region, though the IDF did not comment on this incident.

“

constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire, which the resistance [Hezbollah's term for itself] has been careful to uphold until now.