US Reportedly Seeks Lebanon De-escalation for Ceasefire, Negotiations

A Lebanese official, speaking to Al-Jazeera, revealed a significant U.S. diplomatic push aimed at de-escalating Israeli actions along the southern border. This initiative, according to the official, is a precursor to consolidating the current ceasefire and moving into the next phase of negotiations. The upcoming talks in Washington are expected to tackle a wide range of critical issues, from security arrangements and border demarcation to the complex matters of prisoners and displaced persons, as well as reconstruction efforts. The Lebanese presidency's objective is clear: a final cessation of hostilities, a move that requires an Israeli commitment to a ceasefire, potentially before May 17. The official highlighted that a recent Israeli raid on Beirut's southern suburbs was perceived as a deliberate message to disrupt the negotiation process. Lebanon has communicated to Washington its stance against a meeting between President Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu at this juncture, a position that the U.S. reportedly understands. The ultimate aim for Lebanon is not a peace treaty, but rather the restoration of its rights in exchange for a non-aggression pact. While Lebanese institutions appreciate potential Iranian support for a ceasefire, they stress that any such efforts must be channeled through official Lebanese bodies and contribute to the broader goal of restricting weapons, a complex issue requiring long-term political, social, and economic solutions.

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Rounds of negotiations at the delegation level will begin next week in Washington. The negotiations will address both security and political tracks, focusing on issues of full withdrawal, borders, prisoners, displaced persons, and reconstruction.