Next round of Lebanon-Israel talks likely to be split between Rome and Florida
Direct US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to be split between Rome and Florida, sources told The National , with no breakthrough expected before Israeli elections are held next month. The diplomatic impasse comes at a time of apparent fading optimism among Lebanon’s leadership that the US will pressure Israel to curb its escalating attacks. Negotiations have largely stalled…
The next round of Lebanon-Israel talks is likely to be divided between Rome and Florida according to sources. No breakthrough is expected before Israeli elections in the coming month. The talks have been stalled as Israeli forces continue their extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon, risking the fragile ceasefire. The political and military tracks of the discussions are to be separated with Israeli and Lebanese delegations meeting separately in Florida and Rome respectively.
Lebanese officials are pessimistic about the US applying pressure on Israel to cease its escalation, as they anticipate the elections will take priority. The US-brokered framework involves establishing pilot zones in specific areas leading to Israeli withdrawal, Hezbollah disarming, and the Lebanese army taking control, with the ultimate aim of Lebanon being under exclusive Lebanese control.
However, Lebanon feels "trapped" within the US framework, with little room to involve other international partners. Efforts to include France, a longstanding ally of Lebanon, have faced opposition from Israel. Lebanon sees continuing negotiations as their only option, hoping that US pressure will bring Israeli concessions. Despite this, Israeli military and demolition operations continue, including the recent establishment of Israeli control over the strategic Ali Taher heights and raising of an Israeli flag in the occupied village of Kfarshouba.
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