Lebanon Postpones Peace Talks with Israel Until October

Lebanese President Michel Aoun announced that peace negotiations with Israel are currently not underway, stating that a new round of talks scheduled for next week in Rome has been postponed until October. The delay, reported by Reuters citing Axios and a U.S. administration source, is attributed to scheduling conflicts, including upcoming Jewish holidays, an international conference in Paris, and preparations for the UN General Assembly. Aoun made these remarks during a visit to Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, where he assessed the local situation and reiterated Lebanon's three key demands for peace: the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern territories, the return of prisoners and displaced persons, and the restoration of areas affected by hostilities. The U.S. has been mediating a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which was agreed upon in June. However, significant progress has been stalled, particularly concerning the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah. Despite the postponement of the Rome meeting, Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors may still meet in Washington, according to reports.