Lebanon Sees No New Negotiation Round With Israel Before Summer, US Involved

A Lebanese diplomatic source told Al-Mayadeen on Monday that there are no plans for a new round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel next month, suggesting any talks would likely occur after the current summer. The source noted that both the American and Israeli sides refused to expand pilot zones until progress is made in the existing areas. Lebanon's delegation rejected Israeli claims that all explosions in southern Lebanon stem from attacks on military infrastructure. Additionally, the US and Israeli delegations demanded Hezbollah withdraw from the Ali Taher ridge near Nabatieh.

A senior Lebanese political figure told Nidaa Al-Watan that the US administration is currently focused on two main issues regarding the Israel-Lebanon talks: ceasefire arrangements and pilot zones. US General Joseph Clearfield is expected to visit Beirut to monitor these issues and discuss mechanisms for advancement, following a recent visit to Israel by CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

Reports from Channel 13 indicate growing tensions between Israel and the US, with Washington pressuring Israel to end hostilities across all active fronts. In Lebanon, the US wants the IDF to withdraw from additional security points in southern Lebanon. A senior IDF officer described Lebanon's de facto acceptance of Israeli military presence on its soil as a dramatic development and sees potential for real change in Lebanon in the medium term.

A Lebanese official told Reuters that Israel and Lebanon agreed on several countries to send inspectors to oversee Hezbollah's disarmament. Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that Hezbollah is facing its worst economic crisis in years amid the war with Israel. Israeli strikes targeted over a dozen branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, Hezbollah's financial institution, as well as shops used by Iran to funnel money to Hezbollah and fuel stations generating income for the group.