US-Iran framework seen impacting Israel-Lebanon negotiations, diplomats tell 'Post'

Western diplomats believe a framework agreement between Iran and the United States, which includes a ceasefire in Lebanon, will significantly impact ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The deal, which links the situation in Lebanon to Iran's broader negotiations with Washington, is seen by some as an Iranian success that complicates Israel's strategy of isolating regional issues.

An Israeli delegation led by Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter is scheduled to meet with Lebanese counterparts in Washington next week. The talks will focus on potential normalization between the two countries and the implementation of an earlier agreement. This prior accord established a ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon and disarming. A pilot program was also set up for the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm Hezbollah in designated areas while the Israeli Defense Forces withdraw simultaneously.

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the priority now is to secure an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, and this issue will be addressed during the 60-day negotiation period between Iran and the United States.

Diplomats suggest that Iran's perceived role in securing the current ceasefire has weakened the Lebanese government. It has also failed to persuade Hezbollah to dismantle its organization. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that securing an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon is the current priority and will be addressed during the 60-day negotiation period between Iran and the United States. Berri opposes the "pilot zones" initiative, arguing it would delay Israeli withdrawal for two years.

The memorandum of understanding explicitly states the ceasefire's immediate effect, including in Lebanon. This linkage was viewed as an Iranian achievement, countering Israeli attempts to treat regional fronts separately. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, signaling renewed Iranian engagement in Lebanon.

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the agreement also established the launch of a pilot program under which the Lebanese Armed Forces would enter designated areas and begin disarming Hezbollah, while the IDF would simultaneously withdraw from those same locations.