The U.S. is pressuring Lebanon to start direct negotiations with Israel amid frustrations over Hezbollah. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s remarks highlight dissatisfaction with Lebanon’s strategy, linking reconstruction aid to a political settlement. Key conditions include disarming Hezbollah and managing disputed border points.
The U.S. is critical of Lebanon’s approach to Hezbollah and is urging for direct political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed this dissatisfaction, as reported by an unnamed Lebanese source following their meeting in Doha. The U.S. perceives Lebanon’s current tactics regarding Hezbollah as ineffective, stating that such approaches have failed to yield necessary results.
Witkoff indicated that Lebanon should enter direct negotiations with Israel, characterized as face-to-face talks, with a civilian representative from Lebanon leading the discussions. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, known to be an ally of Prime Minister Netanyahu, is expected to represent Israel in these interactions.
Witkoff has outlined stringent conditions concerning Lebanon’s reconstruction and territorial discussions with Israel. The envoy emphasized that there will be no reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, or Beirut’s southern suburbs without a political agreement with Israel. Furthermore, displaced individuals will not be permitted to return to their frontline towns until this agreement is reached.
The U.S. envoy also noted that Israel will keep control over five disputed border points for about a year, with no broader resolution concerning 13 contested areas unless it fits within the U.S. framework. Nonetheless, there may be a withdrawal by Israel from some points about the upcoming parliamentary elections in Lebanon.
Additionally, concerning Hezbollah’s military presence, Witkoff stressed that the group would be prohibited from retaining its weapons not only in the South Litani area—which is banned as per U.N. Resolution 1701—but across all areas where they are deployed, including the Northern Litani region and Bekaa Valley. These comments reflect increasing U.S. pressure on Lebanon to alter its policies regarding Hezbollah and its negotiations with Israel.
In conclusion, the U.S. is applying significant pressure on Lebanon to engage directly with Israel, reflecting dissatisfaction with Lebanon’s handling of Hezbollah. The U.S. envoy has outlined conditions for reconstruction and the disarmament of Hezbollah, marking a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy. The U.S. insistence on face-to-face negotiations and a political settlement may lead to substantial changes in the current Lebanese political landscape.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
