Diplomacy under pressure: Israel questions Lebanese state as talks approach

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Israel is heading into U.S.-mediated talks with Lebanon this week with deep skepticism toward the Lebanese state and its repeated commitments to disarm Hezbollah.

The negotiations, expected to take place in Washington under U.S. sponsorship, come as Israel insists it is seeking to formalize a broader framework for relations with Lebanon, potentially moving toward a peace arrangement.

Israeli officials say their objective is to secure an agreement similar to the ceasefire terms that followed the 2024 "Northern Arrows" operation, one that would guarantee freedom of action for the Israeli Air Force inside Lebanon against perceived threats.

Several Israeli ministers and officials have openly questioned Lebanon's sovereignty, arguing that the state is too weak and that the Lebanese Army is either unable or unwilling to confront Hezbollah. "There is no party to which responsibility can be entrusted," one official was quoted as saying.

Skepticism about the feasibility of a peace process has also been expressed by Israel's ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, who pointed to what he described as a significant gap between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's statements and actions on the ground.

At the same time, Israel's ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, who took part in initial contacts with his Lebanese counterpart, said Israel is open to advancing toward a peace agreement but rejects discussing a ceasefire with Hezbollah.

As anticipation builds for possible direct talks, Israeli military operations in Lebanon continue. Security officials in Tel Aviv are reportedly pressing Washington to allow those operations to persist even during negotiations.

Israeli officials are also seen as attempting to widen internal divisions in Lebanon, particularly between Hezbollah and the state, a strategy they believe is yielding significant strategic gains.