Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter has outlined Israel's vision for a negotiated resolution with Lebanon, in an interview with This is Beirut.
Yechiel Leiter © Mena Today
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter has outlined Israel's vision for a negotiated resolution with Lebanon, in an interview with This is Beirut.
The diplomat described a two-track approach: the first focused on security cooperation aimed at strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) against Hezbollah, the second centered on a parallel civilian track working toward a future peace agreement between the two countries.
Ambassador Leiter was unequivocal on Israel's intentions regarding its presence in Lebanon. Israel has no interest in remaining on Lebanese soil, he stressed, and would withdraw once Hezbollah is dismantled. He emphasized that Israel's military presence is driven solely by the need to protect its civilians from attacks launched by the group.
The statement signals that Israel views the LAF as a credible partner in curbing Hezbollah's influence, a significant diplomatic signal at a time when Lebanon is navigating a delicate political transition and international pressure mounts for a lasting ceasefire framework.
Israel said two of its soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon on Wednesday while Lebanese authorities said Israeli retaliatory attacks killed at least one person, a flare-up in violence that coincided with the latest round of talks between the two countries.
The Israeli military said it had begun targeted strikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday in response to a "Hezbollah violation", a day after the latest round of U.S.-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon took place in Rome.
The latest round of U.S.-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon began on Tuesday in Rome and will continue through Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.
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