[62716] Efforts for a settlement on the northern border: Contacts in Washington and plans for the rehabilitation of southern Lebanon

Diplomatic and military contacts for a settlement with Lebanon

Against the backdrop of the extended ceasefire, Arab media outlets are reporting on a series of broad diplomatic and military moves between Israel and Lebanon. Kan 11 | Arab-Palestinian Desk notes, based on reports from the Emirati 'Sky' channel, that despite rumors of an initiative to announce a comprehensive ceasefire, Israel has not expressed consent to such a move.

At the same time, Kan 11 | Arab-Palestinian Desk reports, based on the Lebanese LBC network, that the US Department of Defense is preparing for a meeting on May 29 that will address the disarmament of Hezbollah, the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the south of the country, and the withdrawal of IDF forces. According to the report, the parties are using the time to formulate a "declaration of intent" that will define the red lines of both sides, with the goal of stabilizing the quiet through mutual commitments.

The Lebanese Al-Jadeed channel adds that a meeting at the military level is expected to take place on May 29, although the composition of the Lebanese delegation has not yet been announced. The source states that if the ceasefire continues, Israel is expected to begin a withdrawal, a step that will allow for the rehabilitation of southern Lebanon. Another round of talks, this time diplomatic, is planned for June 2-3 led by former ambassador Simon Karam, and is expected to address the issue of Lebanese prisoners and the drafting of a final agreement.

Meanwhile, critical voices against Hezbollah are being heard from within the Lebanese diaspora arena. In Hadassah Express, an interview was published with the Lebanese-Christian journalist Elias Bejjani, who harshly criticizes the terrorist organization. Bejjani claimed that "Hezbollah is the common enemy of Israel and Lebanon," and called for allowing Israel to act to eliminate it, a position that reflects the deep internal tension in Lebanon regarding the organization's influence.