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

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A second day of Israel-Lebanon negotiations began in Washington on Wednesday, a US State Department official told The Jerusalem Post. The talks aim to "continue to advance a comprehensive peace and security between the two countries," according to the official. The Israeli delegation is headed by Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, while the Lebanese delegation is led by Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Maawad and former Lebanese ambassador to Washington Simon Karam.

Coverage comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported that the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon were extended beyond their original schedule and will continue in Washington. The decision came after 11 straight hours of talks, as reported by the same outlet, in an effort to reach an "in-principle commitment" to a security arrangement. The talks, held under American mediation, have entered their fourth day and are focused on Hezbollah's future and new security mechanisms in southern Lebanon.

According to a Jerusalem Post article from June 22, the fifth round of discussions between the two nations kicked off on Tuesday, focusing on the creation of "pilot areas" in southern Lebanon from which IDF troops would withdraw, allowing Lebanese military forces to take their place. The talks were scheduled to take place over three days along two parallel tracks, with Leiter leading political and diplomatic aspects, and Brig.-Gen. Amichai Levin leading separate meetings on military issues.

Key claims

A central focus of the talks, according to two sources familiar with the negotiations, is a proposed pilot program under which the Lebanese Armed Forces would begin deploying to selected areas in southern Lebanon and dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure there. Israeli Ambassador Leiter, in a recent interview with CBS's "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," said the IDF will only withdraw from Lebanon if Hezbollah is removed from these pilot zones. "If Hezbollah is going to stay there, we haven't accomplished anything, and that's why they're called pilot zones," he said. "If it works, then we continue the withdrawal. If it doesn't work, then we stay where we are."

Leiter stressed that the withdrawal plan is not delayed and that the framework hinges on the Lebanese Armed Forces being "receptive" to the pilot zones. "Hezbollah has no business in Lebanon," he said. "As a matter of fact, Israel and Lebanon are on the same page. We want Hezbollah out for our security and for their sovereignty. We can withdraw the moment that Hezbollah is dismantled."

The talks are being held against the backdrop of significant gaps between the sides. Lebanon insists on drawing up a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal from areas the IDF currently holds, while Israel demands the disarmament of Hezbollah as a condition, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to reporters in Kuwait, emphasized that the threat posed by Hezbollah will be a main topic of discussion. "The only reason Israel is in Lebanon is because Hezbollah launches rockets and drones from there," Rubio said. He expressed hope that through the mechanisms established during the talks, the legitimate Lebanese government will be able to control more of its territory, noting that the more the Lebanese Armed Forces secure, the less Israel will be in Lebanon.

Perspectives

Israel's position: Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter emphasized that the focus of the agreement is the dismantling of Hezbollah, not Israel's withdrawal. He argued that Hezbollah has no business in Lebanon and that both Israel and Lebanon want Hezbollah out for security and sovereignty. Leiter also stated that President Donald Trump has been consistent in his stance that Israel will join the Americans in their campaign if requested.

Lebanese concerns: Lebanese officials have privately questioned why the United States is facilitating renewed Iranian influence in Lebanon, according to a claim reported by the Jerusalem Post. Lebanon is insisting on a timetable for Israeli withdrawal, as reported.

US mediation: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the Hezbollah threat and expressed hope that the talks would lead to the Lebanese Armed Forces securing more territory, reducing Israel's presence. The US Ambassador to Lebanon reportedly told Al-Jadeed TV that difficulties arose on the first day of talks but hoped they would be resolved.

Note: The article contains a mis-spelling in the original text; the official name is noted as "Nada Hamadeh Maawad" in other reports.