The Lebanese delegation: “We are engaged in negotiations to ensure full sovereignty and protected borders through the legitimate institutions of the state”

The following statement was issued by the Lebanese delegation:

“The Lebanese delegation concluded two days of negotiations at the US State Department in Washington.

The trilateral negotiations involving Lebanon, the United States, and Israel resulted in tangible diplomatic progress in Lebanon’s favor, as the parties agreed to extend the current ceasefire for an additional 45 days, allowing for the launch of a security track under US sponsorship and facilitation starting on May 29, and helping sustain the political momentum achieved in recent days.

Key outcomes:

• Agreement to extend the ceasefire for an additional 45 days in parallel with progress on the security and political tracks.

• Launch of an official political track reflecting Lebanon’s constructive engagement in the negotiations and enhancing the prospects of reaching a lasting peaceful settlement.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on June 2 and 3 at the US State Department in Washington.

• The United States will facilitate and strengthen channels of communication and military coordination between Lebanon and Israel on a proactive basis, including a security track expected to begin on May 29 at the US Department of Defense (the Pentagon) in Washington.

• The parties committed to reviewing the progress made with the aim of extending the ceasefire for an additional period should the negotiation tracks yield positive results.

The Lebanese delegation welcomes the results reached today. Extending the ceasefire and launching a US-sponsored security track provide a necessary margin of stability for our people, strengthen state institutions, and open a political path toward lasting calm and stability. Lebanon will continue its constructive engagement in the negotiations, while adhering to its sovereignty and protecting the security and safety of its citizens.

The delegation reaffirms its firm commitment to reaching an agreement that fully restores Lebanese national sovereignty and guarantees the security and return of all citizens. Our goal is to transform the current ceasefire momentum into a comprehensive and lasting agreement that safeguards the dignity, security, and future of the Lebanese people.

The main pillars of the Lebanese position:

• Restoring sovereignty:

Lebanon’s highest priority is to restore the state’s full authority over all Lebanese territory, in a manner that ensures border protection, preserves national sovereignty, and secures the safety of citizens.

• Return of the displaced and reconstruction:

Lebanon remains committed to ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians to the south, supported by effective economic assistance and sustainable reconstruction efforts.

• Release of detainees and recovery of remains:

Lebanon continues to work for the release of all detained Lebanese and the recovery of the remains of martyrs and the deceased.

• An independent verification mechanism:

To avoid the failures of previous arrangements, Lebanon insists on a phased and verifiable implementation mechanism, backed by US guarantees, to ensure that all commitments are carried out without prejudice to Lebanese sovereignty.

Lebanon is negotiating for a future in which its borders are respected, its sovereignty is safeguarded exclusively through its legitimate institutions, foremost among them the Lebanese Army, and its people are able to live in security, peace, and lasting stability.”