Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called on the United States to pressure Israel to reduce its demands and end the occupation of Lebanese territories. This appeal comes as Washington hosts a second high-level meeting today, Thursday, between the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel, moderated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This diplomatic engagement follows a rare initial meeting on April 14, marking the highest level of direct contact between the two nations in decades. While a ceasefire is currently in effect until Sunday, the situation remains volatile.
Violence has persisted in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have established a unilaterally declared buffer zone. Beirut is now seeking to extend the ceasefire following Israeli strikes on Wednesday that killed at least five people, including journalist Amal Khalil.
The Conditions for Peace
The Lebanese government has established strict preconditions before it will engage in serious, direct negotiations. These include a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese lands, the return of Lebanese detainees held in Israel, and the demarcation of land borders.
In statements to the Washington Post, Prime Minister Salam emphasized that Lebanon cannot sign any agreement that does not ensure a complete withdrawal. He explicitly rejected the concept of a “buffer zone” that prevents displaced residents from returning to their homes.
Internally, Salam claims the state has made bold strides toward sovereignty by confiscating weapons and banning military operations by Hezbollah. He argued that a state monopoly on arms is essential for Lebanon’s interest, asserting that a single nation cannot maintain two separate armies.
Hezbollah’s Resistance and Regional Stakes
Not all Lebanese factions support this diplomatic path. Hezbollah representative Hassan Fadlallah stated that while the group wants the ceasefire to continue, it requires full commitment from Israel. Fadlallah reiterated the group’s opposition to direct talks, urging the government to cease all direct communication with Israel.
The current conflict escalated on March 2, 2026, when Hezbollah intervened in support of Iran against the U.S. And Israel. Since that date, Lebanese authorities report that approximately 2,500 Lebanese have been killed by Israeli strikes.
Israel currently occupies a belt of land extending 5 to 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon. Tel Aviv maintains this is necessary to protect its northern regions from Hezbollah rockets and has stated its goals include the dismantling of Hezbollah and the creation of conditions for a peace agreement.
The Future of UN Peacekeeping
The security landscape is further complicated by the impending departure of UNIFIL. The force’s mandate expires on December 31, 2026, and the UN Security Council previously decided to withdraw the troops by 2027 following pressure from the U.S. And Israel.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix announced in Geneva that the UN is exploring options for a potential presence in Lebanon after UNIFIL. Recommendations for this “post-UNIFIL” presence are expected to be submitted by June 1.
The withdrawal is viewed by some as premature, particularly as UNIFIL has recently lost five soldiers—three Indonesians and two French nationals—while operating under fire from warring parties.
What May Happen Next
The immediate focus will be on whether the current ceasefire can be extended beyond Sunday. If the U.S. Is unable to broker a compromise on the “buffer zone” or the withdrawal timeline, violence in the south could potentially escalate again.
the Lebanese government may seek increased financial and military support from Washington and Paris to bolster the national army. This could be a critical step if the state intends to fully implement the disarmament of non-state actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lebanon’s primary demands for direct negotiations?
The Lebanese government requires a full Israeli withdrawal from its territories, the return of Lebanese detainees held by Israel, and the official demarcation of land borders.
Why does Hezbollah oppose the current diplomatic talks?
Hezbollah rejects direct communication and negotiations with Israel, asserting its right to resistance against the occupation, though it does support the continuation of the ceasefire if Israel fully commits to it.
What is the timeline for UNIFIL’s withdrawal?
UNIFIL’s current mandate ends on December 31, 2026, and the UN Security Council has decided to withdraw the forces by 2027. The UN is currently developing recommendations for a possible successor presence by June 1, 2026.
Do you believe a state monopoly on arms is the only viable path toward a lasting peace in Lebanon?
