From truce to talks: Lebanon prepares negotiation agenda as ceasefire nears expiry

Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi  

Lebanon is set to enter a second round of direct talks with Israel on Thursday in Washington, just two days before the expiration of a 10-day ceasefire between the two sides.

During the truce period, Israeli forces have moved to establish what they describe as a "yellow line" security zone in South Lebanon, a move that Lebanese officials say involved the destruction and bulldozing of entire villages within that area.

Lebanon is expected to raise these actions as a key issue during the Washington talks, calling for an immediate halt to what it describes as systematic demolition and explosive operations carried out under the pretext of Israeli security.

The Lebanese delegation, led by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and including Consul Wissam Boutros, is also expected to push for extending the ceasefire by an additional 20 to 40 days. According to sources familiar with the discussions, agreement on these two points could pave the way for setting a timeline and venue for formal negotiations.

President Joseph Aoun has emphasized Lebanon's commitment to pursuing direct negotiations, describing the current international support as a rare opportunity. Key backing has come from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, both of which support Lebanon's negotiating position while urging it to maintain its leverage and rights.

Diplomatic activity has intensified in recent days. Talks held in Egypt reportedly brought together Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan and presidential adviser Andre Rahal, focusing on the trajectory of Lebanon-Israel negotiations.

Lebanese officials say the country is approaching the talks with a clear agenda: a full cessation of Israeli attacks, withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the return of detainees, deployment of the Lebanese Army along the internationally recognized border, and the launch of reconstruction efforts to enable displaced civilians to return.

The issue of disarming Hezbollah is being framed as an internal matter to be handled by the Lebanese Army in line with government decisions, a stance that has gained broader acceptance among allied nations, including Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of the meeting, internal coordination has intensified. At Baabda Palace, officials have been closely monitoring developments. 

According to LBCI sources, a delegation from the Democratic Gathering bloc, led by Teymour Joumblatt, called on Aoun to secure U.S. guarantees for Israel's adherence to the ceasefire.

The delegation also suggested empowering Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to engage with Hezbollah to ensure the group's commitment to the truce, potentially replicating an arrangement similar to the November 2024 cessation of hostilities.

Ongoing coordination between Baabda, Clemenceau, Ain el-Tineh, and the Grand Serail underscores efforts to maintain a unified Lebanese position, seen as essential to strengthening the country's negotiating stance and preventing Israel from exploiting internal divisions.