WASHINGTON — Israel and Lebanon extended U.S.-mediated negotiations into a fourth day on Friday as delegations continued talks aimed at reaching a security arrangement between the two countries, with discussions focused on issues including troop movements in southern Lebanon and the role of the Lebanese army.
The talks, held at the U.S. State Department in Washington, continued after more than 11 hours of negotiations, according to reports citing officials familiar with the discussions. The Israeli Embassy in Washington confirmed that the negotiations had been extended beyond the original schedule as the sides sought progress toward an agreement.
The United States has been mediating the discussions, which involve Israeli and Lebanese diplomatic representatives. A U.S. State Department official said the parties had reconvened to continue work toward an agreement for “lasting peace and security,” according to Anadolu Agency.
The negotiations have centered on a proposed arrangement involving “pilot areas” in southern Lebanon where the Lebanese Armed Forces would take a larger security role as part of a broader effort to reduce tensions along the border. Earlier discussions involved disagreements over where such areas should be established and the conditions for any Israeli military withdrawal.
Lebanon has pressed for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and has argued that any pilot program should begin in areas where Israeli troops are currently deployed, according to officials familiar with the Lebanese position. Israel has said its security concerns, including the threat posed by Hezbollah, must be addressed as part of any arrangement.
The negotiations follow a U.S.-backed framework announced after earlier rounds of talks, which Washington said was intended to advance security arrangements between Israel and Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the framework represented a step toward addressing longstanding tensions between the two sides.
The discussions come after months of heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border involving Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group that is not a direct participant in the negotiations. Israeli officials have said any long-term security arrangement must address Hezbollah’s military capabilities, while Lebanese officials have emphasized sovereignty and the authority of the Lebanese state.
The delegations were expected to continue discussions in Washington as officials worked toward a formal understanding. No final agreement was publicly announced at the time of the latest reports.
