BEIRUT: Lebanon has received no Israeli response to proposals submitted during the latest round of direct negotiations in Rome, a Lebanese official source said, as Israel expands military roads and defensive positions in areas of southern Lebanon under its control.
The source, who is close to the Lebanese negotiating delegation, ruled out an imminent eighth round of talks, saying Israel appeared to be “playing for time” ahead of its elections.
“Lebanon has not received any Israeli response to the demands and proposals it submitted during the seventh round of the Rome negotiations held last week under US sponsorship,” the source said.
“Israel does not appear to be interested in doing so in the near term.”
The source also said US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper had postponed a planned visit to Lebanon this week and would travel instead to Saudi Arabia.
