Civilian deaths in South Lebanon reshape diplomatic push ahead of Washington talks: The details

Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Mariella Succar

The massacre in Saksakiyeh, which killed nine civilians, was a key issue raised by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ahead of the anticipated negotiations in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

Aoun discussed the attack during meetings with U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa, who met with Lebanon’s three top officials before departing for Washington.

According to the presidency, Aoun reviewed the events in Saksakiyeh and asked Issa to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon and stop the demolition and bulldozing of homes in southern Lebanon.

Baabda considers these actions a violation of the understandings reached and is relying on the U.S. administration to pressure Israel into reinforcing the ceasefire ahead of Thursday’s talks.

While stressing that continued violations are obstructing the negotiation process, the presidency said the Lebanese delegation would insist on placing the ceasefire at the top of the agenda in Washington before addressing other issues, including the start of an Israeli withdrawal, the redeployment of the Lebanese Army along the border with Israel and the return of prisoners.

The insistence on prioritizing the ceasefire is shared by both Baabda and the Grand Serail, while the presidency expressed surprise at opposition to negotiating under fire.

Officials pointed out that negotiations with former U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein in 2024 continued for two months despite ongoing hostilities.

Meanwhile, Ain al-Tineh limited its comments to saying that talks with Ambassador Issa focused on the situation in Lebanon and the wider region.

As political developments unfold, Hezbollah continues its operations on the ground, describing them as a response to Israeli violations of the ceasefire, according to its statements. However, no direct communication has yet taken place between Hezbollah and Baabda.

Reports that MP Hassan Fadlallah had been tasked, on behalf of MP Mohammad Raad, with handling communication with Baabda were downplayed, with sources saying the matter did not go beyond a brief phone call between presidential adviser Andre Rahal and Fadlallah.

At the same time, MP Hussein Hajj Hassan linked the course of U.S.-Iran negotiations to the Lebanese-Israeli talks.

President Aoun has repeatedly rejected such a linkage. Baabda, while expressing appreciation for the positions of various parties, particularly Ain al-Tineh, remains committed to direct negotiations in pursuit of what it describes as Lebanon’s national interest.