Israel and Lebanon Set for Crucial Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
Diplomatic Discussions in Washington
New Delhi: Officials from Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to convene in Washington DC on Tuesday (local time) following Israel's military operations against the Hezbollah militant group. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to engage in these discussions. Ahead of the meeting, former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora shared in an exclusive interview that Israel's actions have led to significant displacement, affecting approximately 25% of Lebanon's population. He also reported that the Israeli strikes have resulted in over 2,000 fatalities.
Insights from Former Lebanese PM: Siniora stated, “Israel continues its bombardment across various regions and is advancing into Lebanese territory, creating a buffer zone under the pretext of border security. Over the past 45 days, this has caused a major displacement of around a quarter of the Lebanese population, with casualties estimated between 2,200 and 2,500, alongside approximately 7,000 injuries.”
He urged for a ceasefire to be established prior to the negotiations. “Destruction is rampant in Lebanon. We are prepared to engage in direct negotiations, contingent upon Israel initiating a ceasefire to facilitate discussions. The Lebanese government must represent Lebanon in these talks, not the Iranian government,” he emphasized.
Regarding Lebanon's negotiation stance, Siniora expressed the desire to revert to the 1948 armistice, which necessitates Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories. “Lebanon seeks to commence negotiations aimed at a ceasefire and a return to the 1948 armistice, requiring Israel to vacate all occupied lands and allow Lebanese citizens to return to their homes,” he stated. He also accused Israel of devastating over 50 villages.
On the issue of Hezbollah's militant activities, the Lebanese government has proposed disarming the group, but Siniora noted that achieving peace is essential for this process to unfold. He called on the US to support Lebanon in these negotiations.
Full Interview:
Upcoming Israel-Lebanon Talks: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be part of the discussions, which will also include US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and State Department counselor Michael Needham. Previously, on April 11, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated Israel's willingness to pursue a genuine and lasting peace agreement with Lebanon. Following the onset of the Iran war, Israel initiated military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with one of the most lethal strikes occurring last week in Beirut, reportedly resulting in around 250 deaths and injuring another thousand.