BEIRUT: Lebanon is preparing for a seventh round of US-mediated negotiations with Israel in Rome on Tuesday amid cautious hopes of progress, despite continued Israeli military escalation in the south.
Lebanese expectations range from deep pessimism over the prospect of securing further Israeli withdrawals to guarded optimism that Washington could exert greater pressure on Israel.
Israel has continued demolition and destruction operations in southern Lebanese towns despite the framework agreement signed with Lebanon under US sponsorship.
A Lebanese official familiar with the negotiations told Arab News that Beirut had “no diplomatic option other than to uphold the framework agreement and avoid being drawn into the escalation Israel is seeking.”
The official described developments in the south as “deeply troubling,” saying there were questions over Israel’s failure to respond to expected US pressure.
