Israel-Lebanon talks continue under US mediation despite deadlock over Hezbollah disarmament

Talks between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by American mediation in Washington, have been extended beyond their planned duration, continuing into Friday. The decision to prolong the negotiations came after 11 consecutive hours of discussions aimed at achieving an "in-principle commitment" to a security arrangement for southern Lebanon. The Israeli Embassy in the United States confirmed the extension, with negotiating teams scheduled to reconvene at the US State Department.

The core of the discussions revolves around the future of Hezbollah and the establishment of new security mechanisms in southern Lebanon. One proposal under consideration involves creating "pilot areas" where security responsibility would shift to the Lebanese Army, contingent on vetting Lebanese soldiers in the United States to ensure no ties to Hezbollah. However, substantial disagreements remain between the parties.

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even if there is an American demand, we will not withdraw from Lebanon

Lebanon is pressing for a defined timetable for Israel's withdrawal from areas currently held by the IDF. In contrast, Israel maintains its demand for the disarmament of Hezbollah as a prerequisite for any withdrawal, refusing to pull back its forces until this condition is met. A State Department official's claim that Israel had begun withdrawing from parts of the buffer zone as a "goodwill gesture" was denied by an Israeli security source. Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel's stance, stating, "even if there is an American demand, we will not withdraw from Lebanon," and that forces would remain to monitor implementation on the ground. The prolonged talks suggest significant American pressure for a breakthrough, though the Israeli delegation expresses concern over Tehran's influence and parallel US talks with Iran.

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train wreck