Hebrew media reports that Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiter, has expressed concerns that the fifth round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington is at risk of failure. Leiter described the proceedings as a "train headed for a wreck" due to the perceived decline in focus on disarming "Hezbollah" and reducing Iranian influence in Lebanon.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Leiter stated that previous rounds were based on the clear premise of "removing Iran from Lebanon and dismantling Hezbollah," questioning if this principle still forms the foundation of the U.S.-led negotiations. He added that Israel does not see itself in conflict with Lebanon, asserting that "the only problem is Hezbollah," as he put it.
The newspaper also quoted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, saying that Hezbollah remains the "primary obstacle" to Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, and Israel's security, regarding Iran and the group as those breaching Lebanese sovereignty, not Israel. Concurrently, Arabic reports, according to Hebrew media, suggested the possibility of Qatar mediating in a separate course aiming to confirm a ceasefire and reduce tensions.