Aoun: Our negotiations with Israel are separate from the talks in Switzerland

SadaNews - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the ongoing negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington are continuing, operating separately from the meetings held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland last week.

On the field, Aoun confirmed that current efforts are focused on stabilizing the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, which will be followed by executive steps, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army in the southern region, ensuring the return of residents and displaced persons to their villages, releasing prisoners, and initiating the reconstruction process.

He clarified, in a post on the "X" platform, that the determination of what is known as "model areas" is still under discussion, awaiting Israeli approval.

In the context of diplomatic efforts, the Lebanese president noted that his country looks forward to the continuation of British support and London's backing of Lebanese endeavors aimed at maintaining international presence in the south, coinciding with the start of the planned withdrawal of international peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) at the beginning of 2027.

Iran has repeatedly emphasized its insistence that the agreement with the United States includes a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon are discussing a pilot project to hand over some southern territories occupied by the Israeli army to the Lebanese army, according to Israeli officials Wednesday.

Three Israeli officials told "Reuters" that Israel and Lebanon are discussing the project backed by the United States.

The officials added that the participating Lebanese forces will undergo training and scrutiny from the American side, in order to "ensure they are not linked to Hezbollah."

The three officials indicated that Israel will maintain a military presence in the buffer zone.

The proposed "pilot" project is being discussed during the latest round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials, which began in Washington on Tuesday.

However, this diplomatic path has faced rejection from Hezbollah, and its significance has diminished after Iran made Lebanon the focal point of its negotiations with the United States.

In response to a question about the comments from Israeli officials, a senior Lebanese security official stated that discussions are ongoing in Washington, referring to talks between the two armies concerning the pilot areas among other matters.

The Lebanese official added that discussions will focus on a timeline for withdrawal, and any plan will not be revealed until after the last day of talks, Thursday.