AiBotIsrael and the United States are facing challenges in their ongoing negotiations over a possible withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Sources familiar with the talks told Yedioth Ahronoth that the fifth round of negotiations has been the most difficult so far due to differences in Israeli and Lebanese positions.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly opposed to withdrawing from southern Lebanon, and has convinced US President Donald Trump to take a similar stance. According to Israeli officials, Netanyahu and Trump agree that any withdrawal should only occur as part of a full ceasefire, which would prevent Israel from initiating attacks but maintain its right to respond to threats and acts of aggression.
Israeli officials further stated that both Israeli and Lebanese negotiators are frustrated by the incorporation of a Lebanon-related clause into the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. This clause was allegedly added by Washington without consulting either side, due to pressure from Iran.
Political conditions are considered unfavorable for any withdrawal from Lebanon, given the upcoming elections in Israel and the US midterm elections in November. As a result, US efforts are focused on reaching an agreement on the pilot-zone issue rather than a full withdrawal from the region.
Regarding Iran, Israeli officials believe that the US will not resume military action prior to the US midterm elections due to the sensitive nature of the situation. They assess that Trump may adopt a tougher stance against Iran after the elections, if he concludes that Tehran is acting in bad faith.
The impasse in talks comes as tensions between Iran and the US continue to escalate. Washington’s relations with Tehran remain strained following the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the reimposition of economic sanctions.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Israel and Lebanon have been stalled for several months, with both sides unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a potential withdrawal. The pilot-zone issue remains a contentious point, with the two sides unable to agree on the boundaries of a proposed buffer zone along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The US has been attempting to facilitate talks between Israel and Lebanon, despite the challenges posed by regional tensions. The US believes that a resolution to the conflict in southern Lebanon could help to reduce tensions and stabilize the region, but it remains unclear whether a breakthrough can be reached in the near future.