US seeks Israeli de-escalation before upcoming peace negotiations

US to Host Delegation-Level Talks between Lebanese and Israeli Officials

A delegation-level meeting between Lebanese and Israeli officials is set to take place in Washington, DC, on May 17, according to a Lebanese official who spoke to Al Jazeera Arabic on condition of anonymity. The talks aim to address security and political issues related to the ongoing ceasefire and potential full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The negotiations follow an initial round held in mid-April, which led to the current status quo of a ceasefire being declared but continued attacks. The Lebanese official confirmed that the upcoming talks will focus on resolving issues such as prisoner releases, displaced people, and reconstruction.

Israel has recently intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon, killing one person and injuring several on Thursday. This comes after Israel targeted a commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Wednesday. The Lebanese official stated that the country’s presidency is seeking to discuss a final cessation of hostilities with Israel.

The expected step before May 17 is an extension of the truce and an Israeli commitment to a ceasefire, according to the Lebanese official. However, Lebanon is not moving towards signing a peace agreement but rather towards a nonaggression pact. The US has been trying to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon as part of its efforts to solidify the ongoing ceasefire.

The Beirut area was largely unaffected by Israeli strikes before Wednesday’s attack, but since the ceasefire went into effect, there have been accusations from both sides of violating the agreement in southern Lebanon. Over 2,700 people have been killed in the war in Lebanon since March 2, and more than 1.2 million people have been displaced.

Source: Al Jazeera