Lebanon remains committed to negotiations despite Israeli escalation, source says
BEIRUT: Lebanon remains committed to negotiations with Israel and will not use force to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah, a Lebanese official told Arab News, as Israel expanded its military operations deeper into Lebanese territory ahead of a round of talks in Washington.
Israeli airstrikes on Monday reached areas beyond the Zahrani River, with Israel stating that it would target “terrorist sites in Beirut’s southern suburb,” while accusing Hezbollah of repeated ceasefire violations.
Lebanon has entered a new phase of military escalation after the Israeli military announced over the weekend that it had taken control of the strategic Lebanese position of Beaufort Castle, known as Qalaat Al-Shaqif.
The escalation comes as Lebanon and Israel prepare for a fifth round of US-sponsored diplomatic negotiations in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday, raising questions whether the diplomatic track can withstand mounting pressure on the ground.
