Talks with Israel unlikely to take place next week, says Lebanese official source
The next round of US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel will not take place next week, a Lebanese source close to the negotiations told The National on Friday – contrary to media reports that negotiations would be held on September 14 or 15. “First of all, the Americans would inform us, not the Israelis. Second, we did not agree to any appointment because the Americans did not inform us of…
A Lebanese official has stated that talks with Israel are unlikely to take place next week, contradicting media reports. According to the source, the Americans would inform Lebanon of any scheduled meetings, not the Israelis, and the Lebanese did not agree to any appointments due to lack of advance notice. The tension between Lebanon and Israel has escalated after Israeli forces bombed the Ali Al Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, where over 1,000 tonnes of explosives were used.
The bombings have further strained the already stalled negotiating process. Lebanon's President has to prepare for a meeting in Paris, which will likely prevent any talks from happening next week. The current framework allows for the withdrawal of Israel in two "pilot zones," but little progress has been made beyond this. Israeli military advances in southern Lebanon continue, and discussions over a verification committee to ensure compliance have stalled.
The Lebanese army will control areas where Israeli forces have withdrawn, and Hezbollah will be disarmed. The recent Israeli operations have raised concerns in Lebanon about the scope of Israel's military presence in the south. Israel is prepared to expand its campaign by "striking Hezbollah" at "additional locations" following the demolition of tunnels built by the Iran-backed group.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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