Israel-Lebanon talks resume, Hezbollah fighting continues

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon recommenced Tuesday at the U.S. State Department, with senior Israeli delegation members stating Hezbollah had not halted its fighting, contrary to a commitment made to U.S. President Donald Trump. The talks, scheduled to last two days, are occurring as Hezbollah has reportedly rejected a ceasefire in southern Lebanon in exchange for one in northern Israel. A U.S. administration source indicated the strategy is to "contain the fighting in Lebanon and not make it an issue in negotiations." Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Iran's alleged attempts to disrupt the discussions. He stated that Iran seeks to "mix it all together" and claim credit for any future arrangement. Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for "demilitarizing and defanging Hezbollah, while at the same time strengthening the legitimate government of Lebanon." Separately, reports suggest the U.S. is developing a plan to train Lebanese forces to combat Hezbollah within Beirut.

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Our logic is to contain the fighting in Lebanon and not make it an issue in negotiations.