Lebanon and Israel Head to Washington Ahead of October Rome Talks
Lebanon and Israel are set for a new round of U.S.-mediated contacts, with the two countries’ ambassadors due to meet in Washington next week ahead of formal talks in Rome in October, as military operations continue in southern Lebanon.
A U.S. State Department official said the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors would meet at the department’s headquarters in Washington to discuss recent developments and continue work under the U.S.-brokered security agreement between the two sides.
Lebanon and Israel Head to Washington Next Week
The Washington meeting will take place ahead of the next round of formal talks between Lebanon and Israel, which the U.S. official confirmed would be held in Rome in October after initially being expected in September.
According to Reuters, Washington views the agreement it is sponsoring between the two sides as a framework for addressing security issues, restoring Lebanese sovereignty and ensuring Israel’s security. Previous rounds of talks have addressed the Israeli withdrawal, security arrangements and the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon.
Aoun’s Position Ahead of Washington Meeting
The U.S. announcement came after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said there were currently no new negotiations with Israel. He reiterated his calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of prisoners and displaced people, and reconstruction.
Aoun repeated those demands during his recent visits to southern Lebanon, while Lebanese authorities continued to call for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Details of Aoun’s visit to Nabatieh with the army commander are available in previous Profile News coverage.
Rome Talks Moved to October
Lebanon and Israel have held several rounds of U.S.-mediated talks, including meetings in Rome during the summer. The U.S. State Department said the next formal round would take place in October after it could not be held in September.
The ambassadors’ meeting in Washington will precede the formal round in Rome and does not mark the start of those talks. Lebanese media cited diplomatic sources as saying the Washington meeting was intended to keep communication channels open, with no major breakthrough expected during the meeting.
Military Operations Continue in Southern Lebanon
The diplomatic contacts come as Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue. Areas in southern Lebanon have been hit by airstrikes and artillery fire in recent days, while disagreements persist over the Israeli withdrawal and security arrangements along the border.
Israel has linked the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon to Hezbollah’s disarmament, according to previous statements by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. Beirut maintains its demand for Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory.
The Washington meeting will precede the formal talks in Rome as military operations continue in southern Lebanon. Washington has not announced a specific date for the October round.
Sources
- Reuters + Profile News
