[97322] Round of political talks in Washington on the future of Lebanon; sharp remarks at the political level in Israel
[97322] Round of political talks in Washington on the future of Lebanon; sharp remarks at the political level in Israel
A new round of talks in Washington is attempting to forge a solution for the situation in Lebanon, while officials in Israel declare readiness for a confrontation with the American administration for the sake of the country's security.
Diplomatic tension and talks in Washington on the future of Lebanon
A new round of talks in Washington, mediated by the Americans, is at the center of the political discourse. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defined the contacts as "potentially decisive," as reported in News from the Field on Telegram. At the same time, American Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized in Abu Ali Express that the US treats Lebanon as a sovereign state, and that the negotiations will be conducted with the Lebanese administration, while separating them from the issue of Iran and Hezbollah.
Conversely, the Lebanese administration is expressing concern about being excluded from the decisions. The Lebanese Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, demanded in 301 News of the Arab World direct involvement in shaping the future of the region, out of fear that agreements would be imposed "over his head" without providing guarantees. The Lebanese President added that his country "will accept nothing less than the end of the Israeli occupation" in the south of the country, a position covered by ynet News and Epoch - Magazine.
In the Israeli arena, resolute statements were recorded from Minister Ze'ev Elkin, who declared in Political Arena that Israel will act in Lebanon as required, "even at the cost of a confrontation with Trump." These remarks are consistent with the report in Israel News IL regarding Netanyahu's independent conduct vis-à-vis the administration. On the other hand, opposition and critical channels, such as Asrar Lubnan, criticized the complex American and Israeli policy.
Meanwhile, the IDF continues to take security measures on the ground, including warnings to residents and displaced persons not to return to towns in southern Lebanon, out of concern for their safety and regional stability. In the background, it was reported in Kan 11 that the "Hezbollah" and "Amal" parties oppose the "test zone" proposals that were raised in the Washington statement.