Lebanon to issue new demands in talks with Israel

New round of US-hosted talks between Israel and Lebanon to be held on Thursday, with Lebanon’s delegation expected to push for a one-month extension of the ceasefire.

By World Israel News Staff

Lebanon is expected to ask for a one-month extension of the fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire at talks in Washington on Thursday, as Beirut tries to prevent a return to full-scale fighting along the border. The current US-mediated truce is due to expire on Sunday.

A Lebanese official told AFP that Beirut will seek “an extension of the truce for one month,” along with “an end of Israel’s bombing and destruction in the areas where it is present, and a commitment to the ceasefire.”

Reuters also reported that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Beirut would push for an extension of the 10-day ceasefire and a halt to Israeli demolitions in southern villages.

According to the report, Lebanese officials see an extension as a necessary first step before talks can move to a broader phase dealing with an Israeli withdrawal, the return of Lebanese detainees, and the delineation of the land border.

The talks come as the truce is under growing strain, with at least four terrorists killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, while Hezbollah said it launched a drone at Israeli forces.

Another major Lebanese concern heading into the meeting is Israel’s demolition of buildings in parts of southern Lebanon it now occupies.

The Associated Press reported that Lebanese officials plan to raise the issue in Washington after widespread destruction in border villages alarmed residents, officials and UN peacekeepers. Aoun said “halting Israel’s demolition operations in southern villages and towns” would be one of the issues raised by Lebanese representatives.

The United States is hosting the talks and has cast them as part of a broader diplomatic effort to stabilize the region.

A State Department official told The Times of Israel, “The United States welcomes the productive engagement that began on April 14,” adding, “We will continue to facilitate direct, good-faith discussions between the two governments.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend Thursday’s meeting.

The deteriorating security environment has also prompted a fresh US warning. The US Embassy in Beirut said on April 22 that it was urging American citizens to leave Lebanon while commercial flight options remain available.