US Claims Progress in Israel-Lebanon Negotiations
The United States Department of State has claimed that “progress continues” in talks between Israel and Lebanon, suggesting that negotiations are nearing a favourable agreement. “Progress continues on both political and security tracks as we move away from the failures of the last 20 years and towards a comprehensive agreement aimed at restoring Lebanese sovereignty and ensuring Israeli security,” stated US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, as reported by CNN on Wednesday.
These US-mediated discussions, held in Washington, DC, are expected to continue into the following day. This announcement follows statements from Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio, who suggested that Iran is attempting to obstruct diplomatic efforts between the two nations. Previously, on Monday, US President Donald Trump stated that Israel and Hezbollah, through their respective intermediaries, had agreed to cease hostilities.
Trump’s remarks came after Iran announced a suspension of negotiations with the United States due to ongoing Israeli strikes in Southern Lebanon, which have resulted in over 3,400 deaths and displaced more than one million people. Trump told ABC News that he is confident a deal with Iran could be reached “within the next week,” with the primary objectives being the extension of a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump noted that he had held productive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu and senior representatives of Hezbollah. “I had very productive discussions with Prime Minister Israel Bibi Netanyahu. There will be no Israeli troops heading to Beirut, and troops previously moving there have been ordered to return,” Trump wrote on social media. He added that through high-level representatives, Hezbollah has agreed to cease all hostilities, with Israel refraining from attacks and Hezbollah reciprocating.
However, reports emerged that Trump expressed significant anger towards Netanyahu following Israeli military actions in Lebanon, which Trump believes could jeopardise US diplomacy with Iran. According to reports, Trump reacted sharply to Netanyahu’s actions, with some sources alleging he used strong language to question the Prime Minister’s decisions. Additionally, reports from Axios suggest that Trump also addressed Netanyahu’s ongoing legal challenges during their telephone conversation, reminding the Prime Minister of his public support and political efforts on Netanyahu’s behalf.