Lebanon prioritizes ceasefire as US envoy works to bridge political divide: The details

Report by Petra Abou Haidar, English adaptation by Mariella Succar 

Lebanese officials are focusing on securing a ceasefire with Israel as diplomatic efforts continue, amid growing tensions between the country’s top political leaders over the direction of negotiations.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa has recently held talks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in what is seen as an effort to ease strains between Berri’s office in Ain al-Tineh and the presidential palace in Baabda following disagreements linked to ceasefire arrangements and a statement from the U.S. State Department.

Issa’s contacts are aimed at reconnecting positions between President Joseph Aoun and Berri after a period of political distance that had even affected coordination over a planned trilateral meeting.

Sources said the discussions focused primarily on Israel’s continued violations of the ceasefire, while avoiding broader issues such as President Aoun’s potential visit to the United States.

Aoun’s trip to Washington has not yet been confirmed. If it proceeds, reports indicate his meetings would likely be limited to U.S. President Donald Trump, with no planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

President Aoun has previously said that Lebanon is preparing for preliminary talks with its ambassador in Washington in the coming days, describing the process as an important opportunity for the country and confirming that no alternative exists to the negotiation track.

He has also emphasized that Lebanon’s priorities in any talks include an Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory and the release of detainees.

Officials say efforts are also being discussed for a possible third round of meetings in Washington involving Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors, with a focus on reinforcing the ceasefire.

For now, Lebanese officials stress that stabilizing the ceasefire remains the immediate priority, while other regional issues are expected to depend on the outcome of broader U.S.-Iran negotiations.