Israeli and Lebanese officials opened a fifth round of direct talks in Washington on Tuesday, with discussions focused on the initial framework for a possible IDF withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon as part of a pilot program involving the Lebanese Army.

The talks are being held with the participation of the two countries’ ambassadors to the United States as well as senior military officers from both sides. According to Kan News, the primary goal of the current round is to finalize the first details of a potential Israeli withdrawal tied to the deployment of Lebanese Army forces in areas of southern Lebanon.

The negotiations come just days after the United States agreed to establish a new mechanism for addressing ceasefire violations in Lebanon that would include Iran and Qatar, but not Israel. Israeli officials quoted in the report said Israeli participation was never considered likely because of Iran’s involvement, though Washington is expected to convey Israel’s position while Iran represents Hezbollah’s interests.

At the same time, Israeli defense officials are awaiting decisions from the political leadership that could shape the next phase of operations in southern Lebanon. Israeli sources told Kan News that one option under consideration is a gradual withdrawal from certain areas of the security zone, allowing Lebanese Army forces to return as a confidence-building measure.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also met Tuesday with Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal and advisers involved in the negotiations. Aoun said recent developments have reinforced his belief that negotiations are the only path to achieving Lebanon’s national goals, including restoring full sovereignty throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the IDF has begun repositioning some forces in southern Lebanon as it awaits the outcome of the talks. Israeli officials said military operations against threats remain unrestricted, though some planned activities have reportedly been paused pending political decisions. Israel has also provided the United States with intelligence regarding Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure in the Ali Taher Ridge area in an effort to secure approval for future operations there.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)