On the eve of the first preliminary session of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, scheduled for 9:00 PM, attention is focused on the nature of the expected discussions, particularly amid Lebanon’s strong emphasis on a ceasefire as a key prerequisite for continuing the negotiation process.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, the session is expected to primarily address the issue of a ceasefire, which Lebanon insists on as an essential entry point for any subsequent phases of talks.
In this context, media reports indicate that Tuesday’s meeting will be strictly limited to this issue, without expanding to other files, as communicated to Lebanon’s ambassador in Washington, Nada Hamadeh.
Reports further suggest that Lebanon has not yet received any firm U.S.
guarantees regarding a ceasefire agreement. Instead, there appears to be a push toward adopting a ceasefire as an initial step within an ongoing negotiation framework.
Meanwhile, remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam during the anniversary of the Lebanese Civil War were reportedly well received, contributing to a more positive atmosphere among the relevant parties.
On the Lebanese delegation side, sources confirm that final arrangements have been completed, with Ambassador Simon Karam set to head the negotiating team.
On the ground, developments remain a decisive factor in shaping the trajectory of the talks, particularly in the Bint Jbeil area, where ongoing clashes are expected to have a direct impact on the negotiations.
Increasing pressure is reportedly being exerted on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire, amid Israeli assessments that the battle for control of the town could continue for another week.
