Informed Sources: Direct Israeli-Lebanese Negotiations Expected in the Coming Days

SadaNews - Representatives from Israel and Lebanon are expected to meet for a round of direct negotiations in the coming days, according to two sources familiar with the details; one of them stated that former Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, who was tasked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to manage the Lebanese file during the war, will meet with Lebanese representatives for direct negotiations.

One of the sources indicated that the United States will also participate in these negotiations, led by President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner; according to a report by Haaretz newspaper today, Saturday.

Another source stated that negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will be held either in Cyprus or France, with the former likely being chosen. Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron had previously published a message in Hebrew, stating that he is ready to assist in holding these negotiations and hosting them in Paris.

The Cypriot presidency, in response to a question, said, "If specific developments arise, we will announce them publicly and transparently, and so far there is nothing to comment on.”

Estimates suggest that the two parties will discuss a diplomatic solution during the negotiations that halts the fighting and meets the Israeli demand for the disarmament of Hezbollah; however, Israel does not rule out the possibility of conducting a large ground operation to seize lands in Lebanon up to the Litani River, according to one of the sources. The second source estimated that the likelihood of carrying out such an operation is very high.

Both sources confirmed that the U.S. administration requested that Israel refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure. However, one of the sources estimated that this request may have diminished, among other reasons, following the bombing of the Zarariyeh bridge over the Litani River. He added that the red lines drawn by the United States for Israel are limited to not targeting Beirut International Airport and the seaport in the city. If Israel indeed proceeds with a large ground operation, the chances of success for the diplomatic track are expected to diminish.

Israeli Channel 12 reported Friday evening that Netanyahu has tasked Dermer with overseeing the Lebanese file during the ongoing war since March 2, with responsibility for managing any potential negotiations with the U.S. administration and the Lebanese government in the coming weeks.

Dermer is considered one of Netanyahu’s closest allies and has been involved in managing sensitive files related to coordination with Washington, especially concerning the war on Gaza, relations with the Trump administration, and Iranian, Lebanese, and Syrian files.

Dermer was one of the architects of the normalization agreements known as the "Abraham Accords." He also previously served as Netanyahu’s chief political advisor before taking over the strategic affairs portfolio in the current government formed at the end of 2022.