Israel and Lebanon: Talks About Progress in the 'Fourth Round' Negotiations

SadaNews - The United States has announced continued progress in the fourth round of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, hosted by the U.S. State Department.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Bigo noted in a post on the "X" platform that "progress is ongoing on both the political and security tracks, overcoming the failures of the past twenty years, and we are moving towards a comprehensive agreement to restore Lebanese sovereignty and ensure Israeli security. "

Bigo confirmed that Washington is committed to its role as a mediator in these "historic" negotiations, revealing that a fifth round will take place on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Israel continues its military operations in Lebanon, in violation of the ceasefire brokered by Washington on April 17, which was extended until early July.

A new round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began in Washington on Tuesday, amidst efforts to reach a complete ceasefire agreement.

A Lebanese source told "Sky News Arabia" regarding the ongoing talks in Washington that "the Lebanese delegation insists on a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, while the Israeli delegation insists on dismantling Hezbollah's weapons first."

The source continued: "The first session of talks today witnessed serious discussions, and some ideas were exchanged. The three parties are proposing ideas that will form the subject for discussion in tomorrow's session on Wednesday."

The source pointed out that "the Israeli delegation is keen on maintaining freedom of movement if any threats related to Hezbollah are detected, while the Lebanese delegation focused on the necessity of a complete ceasefire, but the Israeli side has not committed to that yet."

He added: "There has been no significant breakthrough so far in the Washington talks, but Beirut is counting on President Trump, who was clear on the issue of the ceasefire."

He continued: "During the session, the Lebanese delegation reiterated its principles regarding a complete ceasefire, its establishment, and the withdrawal of Israel from the areas it occupied, enhancing the role of the Lebanese army, securing the return of prisoners in Israel, and allowing populations to return to their areas and towns."

The Lebanese delegation includes presidential envoy Simon Karam, Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nadia Hamadeh Maawad, Deputy Ambassador Consul Wissam Botros, and military attaché Oliver Hakimiah.

On the Israeli side, the delegation includes Israeli Ambassador Yahel Leitner, Deputy National Security Advisor Yossi Draznin, Head of Planning at the Israeli Army Amichai Levin, and military attaché at the Israeli embassy Eric Ben Dov.