Lebanon sets terms for U.S.-Israel talks, demands full Israeli withdrawal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has set the nation's red lines ahead of crucial negotiations with the United States and Israel. During a meeting with the Lebanese delegation tasked with these talks, Aoun emphasized the need for a definitive cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of pending commitments.

The delegation, which includes the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rudolph Haykal, and the head negotiator, former ambassador Simon Karam, will travel to Washington next week for tripartite talks scheduled between June 23 and 25. The discussions will also address preparations for the upcoming round of negotiations.

Aoun reiterated Beirut's core demands: a complete Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories and the deployment of the Lebanese Army to the recognized international borders. He also stressed the importance of initiating reconstruction in areas affected by recent clashes.

The meeting took place shortly after a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding on ending their conflict, which reportedly extends a ceasefire to Lebanese territory, despite Israeli objections. However, the National News Agency (ANN) reported an Israeli attack on a vehicle in southern Lebanon on Thursday, resulting in one death and one serious injury, which it described as a violation of the agreement.