No date set for direct Lebanon-Israel talks as Beirut seeks ceasefire guarantees

Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian

No date or location has yet been set for the launch of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, due to Israel’s failure to commit to three demands presented by Lebanon’s ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, during a White House meeting on Thursday.

The demands include establishing a ceasefire and preventing its violation, halting the destruction and demolition of homes in occupied villages and towns, and ending the targeting of civilians, paramedics, and journalists.

Two days after the meeting, developments on the ground have shown no change: no effective ceasefire, no halt to destruction operations, and no protection for civilians. Lebanon has therefore maintained its position: no negotiations before these conditions are implemented.

Sources familiar with the discussions told LBCI that Israeli officials said during the Washington meeting they would study the Lebanese demands, while the U.S. pledged to exert pressure to achieve them. However, Lebanon is still awaiting the translation of these assurances into tangible steps on the ground.

In parallel with the external track, internal Lebanese efforts are also underway. According to available information, preparations are being made for a three-way meeting bringing together the president, the speaker of parliament, and the prime minister, with the aim of unifying the official national position on the negotiations.

This meeting comes as part of a role being pushed by Saudi Arabia, along with Egypt, aimed at prioritizing internal dialogue and reaching a unified national vision that reflects Lebanon’s position in the upcoming negotiations with Israel.

In this context, sources stressed that Lebanon will not deviate from the broader Arab position and that any negotiation path will remain bound by the limits set by President Joseph Aoun.