— We discovered today that we are on the same side of the equation. This is the most positive thing we could have come out of (these talks), Leiter said after his meeting with Lebanese ambassador Nada Hamadeh at the US State Department.
— I must say that it was a victory for common sense, responsibility and peace, because the leader of Hezbollah yesterday warned the government of Lebanon against participating in these talks, and Joseph Aoun's government bravely said no to Hezbollah – he added.
Israel-Lebanon peace talks
Although the talks took place only at the ambassadorial level, they were first direct negotiations between the two countries since 1993. Both sides announced further contacts.
He also said that they talked about the “long-term vision of where it will be clearly defined border between our countries.
“We want to keep the French as far away as possible.”
— We certainly don't want the French anywhere near these negotiations. We would like to keep the French as far away from each other as possible in almost everythingbut especially in peace negotiations they are not needed. They don't have a positive impact, especially in Lebanon, Leiter said.
Statement from the US Department of State
The U.S. Department of State issued a statement saying the United States expressed hope that the talks would lead to a complete peace agreement. Washington also supported Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah and stressed that any ceasefire must come only through bilateral negotiations, mediated by the United States.
Lebanon calls for “full implementation” of ceasefire
The Lebanese ambassador, in turn, called for “full implementation” of the ceasefire with Israel and respect for the sovereignty of Lebanese territory and humanitarian aid.
The negotiations take place during intense events in the Middle East. The ceasefire in the US and Israel's war with Iran has been in place for a week, but Israel has not stopped and even intensified its strikes against Hezbollah, occupying part of southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese armed organization Hezbollah, allied with Tehran, joined the conflict by shelling northern Israel. This was met with massive attacks by Israel on Lebanon, which emphasizes that it is fighting Hezbollah, not this country.
According to the Lebanese authorities, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. people. The US and Israel claim that this war is not part of the agreement, although Iran and Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary in the talks, also want these fighting to stop. The issue of Lebanon therefore complicates talks on a permanent truce between the US, Israel and Iran.
The government in Beirut, focused on cooperation with the West, announced the disarmament of Hezbollah, which is hostile to the US and Israel. However, the Lebanese authorities are having difficulty enforcing this decision. The Shiite organization, considered a terrorist group by the West, was for years stronger than the regular Lebanese army and created a quasi-state in the south of the country.
