US-Brokered Talks Between Lebanon and Israel Unlikely Next Week Amid Escalating Tensions

The upcoming round of US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel is not expected to take place next week, according to a Lebanese source close to the negotiations who spoke to The National on Friday. This update contradicts media reports suggesting that discussions would be held on September 14 or 15.

“First of all, the Americans would inform us, not the Israelis. Second, we did not agree to any appointment because the Americans did not inform us of one,” the source stated.

This statement followed an incident where Israeli forces bombed the Ali Al Taher ridge in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh district using more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives, further straining the already stalled negotiations. When asked if Lebanon would accept a proposal for talks next week from Washington, the source replied, “The timing doesn’t suit us. The President has to prepare for the Paris conference.” France is currently organizing a meeting to support the Lebanese army, an event that has faced delays due to the regional war.

The cautious stance from Lebanon highlights mounting disillusionment with the US-brokered framework aimed at ending hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. Minimal progress has been achieved beyond the creation of two “pilot zones” for Israeli withdrawal: one where no Israeli military presence previously existed, and another where Israeli troops occupied only the outskirts.

Meanwhile, the talks have failed to halt Israeli military advances in southern Lebanon, and discussions regarding a verification committee to ensure adherence to the deal remain deadlocked. Under the framework, the Lebanese army is designated to control areas vacated by Israeli forces while Hezbollah is disarmed.

“In some places, [the negotiations] may have stopped them [the Israelis] from attacking Dahiyeh and Beirut, but it hasn't stopped them at all in south Lebanon,” the source noted, adding that developments at Ali Al Taher and broader ground escalations will inevitably impact future negotiations.

Recent Israeli operations have also sparked anxiety in Lebanon concerning the expanding scope of Israel's military presence in the south. Israeli forces have persisted with operations beyond previously established security zones, continuing strikes and demolitions alongside the negotiations.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a video message on Friday that Israel is prepared to broaden its military campaign by “striking Hezbollah” at “additional locations” following the demolition of tunnels constructed by the Iran-backed group in southern Lebanon. “Now there is a strong security zone, stronger than ever before, which protects the communities from attack and direct fire, and enables us to maintain control and threaten Hezbollah deep inside the area,” Mr Katz said.

Despite the advance at Ali Al Taher and its close proximity to Nabatieh, the Lebanese source confirmed that the US has provided Lebanon’s leadership with no new reassurances in the wake of the operation.