The fifth round of US-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon commenced in Washington DC on Tuesday, as confirmed by a State Department official. The talks aim to advance a comprehensive peace and security agreement, following the conclusion of the first round of negotiations regarding the 14-point memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
Talks Amid Renewed Ceasefire and Violations
The discussions occur against the backdrop of a recently renewed ceasefire in Lebanon, where deadly violations by Hezbollah and Israel have threatened to derail the US-Iran negotiations. The fourth round of face-to-face talks was held earlier this month at the US State Department, with high-level diplomats from both sides participating despite ongoing cross-border hostilities.
Leading the diplomatic delegations were Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanon's representative to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad. Daniel Holler, a senior adviser to Secretary Marco Rubio, also attended the sessions.
US Official Highlights Hezbollah as Obstacle
Following the previous round, Secretary Marco Rubio asserted that Israel and Lebanon could secure a peace treaty within days if not for Hezbollah. He stated, "Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon. Hezbollah is the impediment. There is no Hezbollah without Iran."
Israeli PM Defies US-Iran MoU
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disregarded the US-Iran MoU and reaffirmed his commitment to protect Israel. He declared that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) would remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon, even as a quadrilateral meeting in Switzerland agreed to establish a de-confliction zone to halt hostilities. Netanyahu said, "No matter what happens in the talks, with an agreement, without an agreement, I pledge to you that Iran, as long as I'm Prime Minister, will never have a nuclear weapon. Never. As long as we need to protect our people, we will remain in the security zone in South Lebanon. No country would be asked to do otherwise."
Trump Responds to Netanyahu's Stance
When asked how he would ensure Netanyahu does not sabotage the 14-point MoU negotiations, President Trump declined to reveal his plan but described himself as a "problem solver." He told reporters, "I'm not going to tell you what I'm going to do, but it gets solved. I'm a problem solver. I get problems solved real fast, including with Bibi."
Growing Discord Between Washington and Jerusalem
The diplomatic friction arises amid increasing discord between the United States and Israel regarding Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. Trump has warned that these actions threaten to destabilize the memorandum of understanding established with Iran last week after extensive diplomatic efforts.
