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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Second day of Israel-Lebanon talks begin in Washington, US official tells 'Post'

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A second day of U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon began in Washington, aiming for comprehensive peace and security.
  • Key discussion points include the threat posed by Hezbollah and the potential withdrawal of IDF troops from southern Lebanon.
  • Sticking points emerged on the first day, with one Israeli official expressing concern that the talks were heading toward a "train wreck."

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon entered their second day in Washington, with U.S. officials aiming to advance comprehensive peace and security between the two nations. The talks involve delegations from both countries, including Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Maawad.

The only reason Israel is in Lebanon is because Hezbollah launches rockets and drones from there. If Hezbollah wasn't launching against them, they wouldn't be there.

— Marco RubioThe U.S. Secretary of State explained the rationale behind Israel's military presence in Lebanon during the talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that the threat posed by Hezbollah is a primary focus of the discussions. He stated, "The only reason Israel is in Lebanon is because Hezbollah launches rockets and drones from there. If Hezbollah wasn't launching against them, they wouldn't be there." Rubio expressed hope that the Lebanese government would increasingly gain control over its territory, reducing Israel's need to maintain a presence.

However, the initial day of talks encountered difficulties. Sources briefed on the negotiations indicated that the discussions resulted in more regression than progress. Israeli Ambassador Leiter voiced significant concern before the talks began, warning, "This is the fifth round of talks, and I must say, we are heading toward a train wreck... that train is in danger of derailing."

The more of that area the Lebanese Armed Forces is able to secure, the less of it's in Hezbollah's control, the less Israel will be in Lebanon.

— Marco RubioRubio expressed hope for increased Lebanese government control over its territory, which could reduce Israel's military presence.

Leiter also expressed worry that a recently signed U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding might inadvertently benefit Iran-funded Hezbollah by allowing Tehran to continue funneling resources to the group. The negotiations reportedly focused on creating "pilot areas" in southern Lebanon from which IDF troops would withdraw, allowing Lebanese military forces to assume control. Despite hopes for resolution, difficulties arose on the first day, with a U.S. State Department official acknowledging that sticking points needed further discussion.

This is the fifth round of talks, and I must say, we are heading toward a train wreck... that train is in danger of derailing.

— Yechiel LeiterThe Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. expressed strong pessimism about the progress of the negotiations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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