Lebanon-Israel Pentagon talks amid escalation and disputes
Lebanon Israel Pentagon talks: Lebanese security source reveals 3 files delegation will discuss
The Lebanese arena is witnessing simultaneous political and security movements amid ongoing tension on the southern border, as a Lebanese military delegation participates in a security meeting held at the Pentagon under US auspices, parallel to escalating military operations in southern Lebanon and diverging internal positions regarding the negotiation mechanism with Israel and the future of the ceasefire.
The meeting comes as international efforts continue to contain the escalation, amid UN calls to return to the political and diplomatic path, and Lebanese warnings of expanding displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions in border areas.
Lebanese military delegation participates in Pentagon meeting
A Lebanese security source said that the Lebanese delegation participating in the security meeting held at the Pentagon includes army officers along with the military attaché at the Lebanese embassy in Washington.
According to the source, the delegation is headed by Director of Operations in the Lebanese Army Brigadier General George Rizkallah, and includes in its membership Brigadier General Ziad Rizkallah (responsible for international and humanitarian law affairs in the army), Brigadier General Omar Halihal, Brigadier General Wael Abbas, Colonel Mazen El Hajj, Colonel Wadih Rifoul, in addition to military attaché Olivier Hakima.
The source explained that the meeting falls within the security track related to Lebanese-Israeli negotiations and focuses on files related to managing the ceasefire and mechanisms for its stabilization and monitoring.
Ceasefire and border files on the agenda
According to available information, the Lebanese delegation intends to raise several files during the meeting, most notably the mechanism for implementing the ceasefire, including the issue of monopolizing weapons in the hands of the Lebanese army.
The discussions also address communication mechanisms between the two sides, whether through military committees or international channels, in addition to security arrangements on the southern border, and discussion of the file of Israeli withdrawal and cessation of violations.
The discussions also include arrangements related to redrawing certain border points and forming a committee to follow up on disputed issues of a topographic nature on the border.
This comes amid continued military escalation in southern Lebanon, as reports speak of Israeli pressure on the United States to maintain freedom of military movement against Hezbollah, separately from any potential regional understandings with Iran.
Nabih Berri rejects direct negotiations
In contrast, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri renewed his rejection of direct negotiations with Israel, considering that the current priority should focus on a ceasefire and addressing the displacement file.
Berri said that Lebanon had previously reached ceasefire agreements several times, but they were not fully implemented, pointing to the continued field tension and expanding damage in southern towns.
He added that direct negotiations, in his view, require balance and clear negotiating papers, considering that indirect mediation proved effective in previous files, including the maritime border demarcation negotiations and the 2024 ceasefire agreement.
Berri spoke about receiving information regarding evacuation warnings for dozens of towns in the Tyre district, in addition to Palestinian camps, warning of humanitarian repercussions that could lead to an increase in the number of displaced persons.
He also indicated that the Lebanese file is raised within discussions related to US-Iranian negotiations, considering that any regional understandings could reflect on the Lebanese situation.
Hezbollah: Any agreement with Iran will reflect on Lebanon
For his part, Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah said that any potential agreement with Iran will have repercussions on Lebanon, considering that current field developments are linked to the regional negotiation path.
Fadlallah pointed to continuous coordination with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri regarding the position on negotiations and efforts aimed at stopping the war, affirming a shared vision between the two parties regarding how to deal with the current phase.
He also spoke about ongoing disagreements regarding Hezbollah’s political role within Lebanese state institutions, considering that any future arrangements must take into account internal balances and the Taif Agreement.
UNIFIL calls for political and diplomatic solution
On the international level, the commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Deodato Abaniara, affirmed that the political and diplomatic solution remains the only option to address the conflict in southern Lebanon.
During a ceremony held at the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, Abaniara pointed to the continued deterioration of the security situation along the Blue Line, with repeated violations and increased risks of escalation.
He explained that UNIFIL forces continue to work through liaison and coordination mechanisms to help reduce tension and facilitate humanitarian aid, in addition to supporting efforts aimed at restoring the cessation of hostilities and preparing conditions for a permanent ceasefire.
He also indicated that the UN mission continues to perform its tasks despite the complex security circumstances, affirming the continuation of international work to support stability in southern Lebanon.
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The next round of Israel-Lebanon talks will have two agendas: Israel wants to focus on disarming Hezbollah, while Lebanon wants to “see when the IDF withdraws and how it can stop its strikes” in the country, said Institute expert Assaf Orion.
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— Washington Institute (@WashInstitute) May 28, 2026
