Lebanon and Israel Negotiations in Washington Under Fragile Armistice Roof

Today and tomorrow, Washington, DC, will host the third round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, in an effort to develop the current ceasefire into a more stable and sustainable agreement before the end of the current truce. The talks face major obstacles in the absence of a decisive position from Hezbollah confirming its ultimate commitment to a cessation of military operations, while the Israeli escalation in the south continues. This mutual escalation reflects attempts by both sides To put pressure on the negotiation path and burden it with additional complications. The American side, Mike Huckabee, a strong supporter of Israel's regional ambitions, Ambassador Michel Issa, as well as Assistant Secretary of State Mike Needham, participate in this tour in the absence of the same minister accompanying the president on his visit to China. Beirut adheres to its unwavering priorities of a ceasefire and its consolidation, the achievement of an Israeli withdrawal, the release of Lebanese prisoners, and the return of IDPs with the start of reconstruction, in parallel with the deployment of the Lebanese Army south of the Litani to the international borders. On the other hand, American and Israeli sources confirm that the complete disarmament of Hezbollah and the restoration of state authority in Lebanon are pivotal demands, reflecting a fundamental divergence in priorities that may complicate the path to a comprehensive agreement. These talks come in a highly sensitive regional context, as they overlap with increasing US pressure on Hezbollah and questions about the US-Iranian understandings being reflected on the margins of the negotiating manoeuvre, questioning Washington's ability to ensure that any future agreement is implemented.