US brokers Lebanon-Israel military talks amid criticism of Israeli actions

United States officials are conducting shuttle diplomacy between Beirut and Tel Aviv, aiming to salvage ongoing military negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The talks follow a framework agreement signed in June, which stipulates the Lebanese army's gradual restoration of control throughout Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

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Israel has not ceased its violations and attacks against Lebanon and the south since November 2024,'' adding that the attacks have continued systematically, involving the destruction of villages, bulldozing of fields and agricultural areas, and the burning of forested areas, "not to mention targeting heritage sites and cultural heritage.

US General Joseph Clearfield, head of the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon, met with Lebanese officials, including Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Discussions focused on the military aspects of the agreement, the situation in southern Lebanon, and the verification of Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment. The first phase of the agreement has commenced in two pilot zones, but no consensus has been reached on the next area for Israeli troop withdrawal.

Both Berri and Salam voiced strong criticism of Israel's actions. Berri stated that Israel has continuously violated Lebanese sovereignty since November 2024, citing systematic attacks that have destroyed villages, bulldozed fields, and burned forests, while also targeting heritage sites. He emphasized that halting Israel's war and ensuring its withdrawal to international borders is crucial for stability.

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The key to stability remains compelling Israel to halt its war and withdraw to the international borders.

Prime Minister Salam echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for Israel to cease its destructive operations, expand the pilot zones, and establish a concrete timetable for its withdrawal from Lebanese territory. US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa confirmed that negotiations will continue, though no date for the next round has been set. The current focus remains on defining the status of existing areas before discussing further withdrawals.

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The negotiations will continue, but no date has been set yet.