The U.S. is urging Lebanon to engage in direct talks with Israel due to dissatisfaction with its approach to Hezbollah. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff advocates for face-to-face negotiations, linking Lebanon’s reconstruction to a settlement with Israel, and insists on the disarmament of Hezbollah. The situation indicates intensified U.S. pressure on Lebanon’s political actions regarding Israel and Hezbollah.
The United States has expressed dissatisfaction with Lebanon’s approach towards Hezbollah and is advocating for direct political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. According to U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Washington perceives the Lebanese government’s handling of Hezbollah as ineffective and is urging a shift towards direct talks with Israel.
Reports indicate that Witkoff has outlined expectations for Lebanon to participate in face-to-face negotiations. A civilian representative will lead Lebanon’s delegation, while Israel will be represented by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Witkoff has set stringent conditions that link Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts to a political settlement with Israel.
Witkoff emphasized that reconstruction in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa region, as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, will not proceed unless an agreement with Israel is reached. Moreover, displaced individuals will not be allowed to return to their hometowns until such an agreement is finalized. Witkoff has stated that Israel will maintain control over five disputed border points for approximately one year, only agreeing to broader settlements if they adhere to U.S. guidelines.
On the topic of Hezbollah’s military presence, Witkoff has reportedly made it clear that the group will not be permitted to retain its arms in the South Litani area or in any regions across its deployment zones, including the Northern Litani and Bekaa Valley. These remarks indicate increasing U.S. pressure on Lebanon to modify its political stance regarding Hezbollah and negotiations concerning Israel.
The U.S. is pressing Lebanon to directly negotiate with Israel, rejecting the current Lebanese government’s ineffective handling of Hezbollah. Key expectations from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff include a civilian-led Lebanese delegation, strict conditions for reconstruction, and disarmament of Hezbollah. The situation reflects a significant diplomatic push by the U.S. to reshape Lebanon’s political dynamics in relation to Israel.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
