Lebanon-Israel talks: What is expected
Preliminary contacts and meetings intensified behind the scenes a few hours before the third round of Lebanese-Israeli talks in Washington, amid "clear U.S. pressure to push both sides toward tangible results," MTV reported on Thursday afternoon.
According to MTV, the Lebanese delegation held a series of coordination meetings that included Ambassador Simon Karam, Ambassador Nada Moawad Hamadeh, Chargé d'Affaires Wissam Boutros and Military Attaché Brigadier General Oliver Hakmeh, in preparation for the first session, which is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM Washington time (4:00 PM Beirut time).
US sources confirmed to MTV that "the issue of disarming Hezbollah tops the list of negotiations, as it is Washington's primary priority before any discussion of the issues of a full withdrawal, border demarcation, prisoners, displaced persons, and the reconstruction of Lebanon."
According to the U.S. sources, the Lebanese side will enter the negotiations on Thursday and Friday focusing on several key demands, most notably the complete consolidation of the ceasefire, a halt to Israeli strikes and violations, and pressure for Israel's withdrawal from the disputed areas, in addition to opening a clear path for the reconstruction of the damaged areas in the south.
The sources added that the Lebanese delegation will also emphasize support for the Lebanese Army and strengthening its capabilities, while attempting to separate the issue of Lebanese sovereignty from the pressures related to Hezbollah's weapons, by focusing on the priority of protecting stability and preventing a return to war.
Informed U.S. sources meanwhile told Al-Arabiya's Al-Hadath channel that "Israel will inform the Lebanese delegation that it will not commit to a comprehensive ceasefire."
"Israel will inform the Lebanese delegation that its strategy is to prevent any threat to its security," the sources said, adding that "Washington will not ask the Israeli government for a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon."
"The only thing Israel might offer is to refrain from bombing northern Bekaa and Beirut. The Lebanese Army can make progress if Washington provides it with assistance," the sources went on to say.
"Israel will inform the Lebanese delegation that it will withdraw completely once the state controls its territory," the sources added.
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