Damascus: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Saturday that there are "no new negotiations with Israel at present," emphasizing Lebanon's stance on the Israeli withdrawal and the return of prisoners and displaced individuals to their respective areas. Aoun addressed reporters during his visit to Nabatieh, accompanied by army commander Rodolphe Haykal and heads of Lebanon's security agencies, highlighting these issues as national principles Lebanon is committed to implementing.
According to Anadolu Agency, a U.S. official informed Axios that the next round of Israel-Lebanon negotiations, initially planned for Rome next week, has been postponed. Instead, Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors will convene at the State Department in Washington to discuss ongoing developments and the continued execution of the June framework agreement. The official further mentioned that the next formal negotiations are set to occur in Rome in October.
The direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel commenced with a U.S.-facilitated meeting in Washington on April 14. These discussions have covered several critical topics, including a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, border issues, and matters concerning prisoners and missing persons. A significant milestone was achieved when Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a U.S.-sponsored framework agreement in Washington on June 26. This agreement outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the areas vacated by Israeli forces.
During his visit to Nabatieh, President Aoun inspected the government complex, which suffered significant damage from Israeli airstrikes, and the Lebanese central bank building, which was destroyed during the bombardment. He also visited Nabatieh Hospital, commending its staff for their perseverance and dedication under challenging conditions.
Official Lebanese figures report that Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in nearly 4,400 fatalities and 12,500 injuries since March 2. Israel continues to occupy regions in southern Lebanon, including territories held for decades and others seized during recent conflicts and military operations.