Ahead of Washington talks: Between Lebanon's demands and Israel's conditions—The details

Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Lebanon's leadership has intensified efforts, particularly with the United States, to halt the ongoing Israeli escalation, placing a ceasefire at the top of its diplomatic agenda.

The priority was reaffirmed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam after they reviewed the outcome of military meetings held by a Lebanese Army delegation at the Pentagon.

However, the conclusions conveyed by the delegation were not encouraging. President Aoun was reportedly informed that there had been no change in the Israeli position and no readiness to move toward de-escalation. On the contrary, Israeli officials appeared committed to maintaining their current course.

During the meetings on Friday, the Lebanese delegation reportedly heard three firm Israeli conditions: no ceasefire, no retreat from ongoing military expansion on the ground, and no withdrawal from South Lebanon before practical steps are taken regarding Hezbollah's weapons.

The discussions also revisited a U.S. proposal to establish a pilot brigade within the Lebanese Armed Forces. Under the proposal, the unit would be trained, equipped, and armed by the United States and would form part of a broader implementation framework aimed at consolidating state control over weapons.

Nonetheless, the Lebanese delegation reiterated the official position that any serious discussion must begin with a durable ceasefire, an end to Israeli attacks and incursions, and the start of an Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory. Only then, Lebanese officials argued, can the army continue implementing its plan to consolidate state authority and address the issue of weapons outside state control.

The outcome of the Pentagon meetings is expected to be carried by Lebanon's political negotiating team, headed by Ambassador Simon Karam, into the second round of negotiations scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington.

Despite the upcoming talks, significant gaps remain between Lebanon's demands and Israel's conditions. Lebanese officials remain concerned that continued military escalation and the creation of new realities on the ground could further complicate diplomatic efforts and narrow the prospects for a negotiated breakthrough.