Israel and Lebanon fail to make breakthrough in latest talks

The second day of the fifth round of US-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon concluded on June 24 without a major breakthrough.

According to sources cited by Al Araby Al Jadeed, the session lasted around eight hours and was held at the military level. The talks are set to resume on Thursday afternoon, June 25, at the political level, marking the conclusion of the fifth round. The meeting is expected to result in the designation of “pilot zones.”

Sources said the latest session was more productive than the previous one held on Tuesday, June 23. However, no significant progress was achieved beyond agreement on several technical issues and reaffirmation of the continuation of the ceasefire.

The main sticking point remains the mechanism and timetable for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese side is insisting on clear and short deadlines, while disagreements also persist over which areas Israeli troops should leave first.

A US State Department spokesperson described the fifth round of negotiations as “difficult” but stressed that the talks would continue, adding that their continuation alone should be viewed as a positive sign.

By Jeyhun Aghazada