Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that ongoing negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington are proceeding independently from recent meetings held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland.
On the ground, Aoun emphasized that current efforts focus on solidifying the ceasefire in southern Lebanon. Subsequent steps include the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army in the southern region, ensuring the return of residents and displaced persons to their villages, the release of prisoners, and the beginning of reconstruction efforts.
In a post on the platform "X," he mentioned that discussions on defining so-called "model areas" are still underway, pending Israeli approval.
In the realm of diplomatic efforts, the Lebanese president highlighted that his country looks forward to continued British support and endorsement of Lebanese efforts to maintain an international presence in the south, coinciding with the scheduled withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) in early 2027.
Iran has reiterated its insistence that the agreement with the US should encompass a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Israel and Lebanon are exploring a pilot project to hand over certain southern territories occupied by Israeli forces to the Lebanese army, Israeli officials reported on Wednesday.
Three Israeli officials told "Reuters" that Israel and Lebanon are discussing the US-backed project.
The officials added that involved Lebanese forces would undergo training and vetting from the US to "ensure they are not affiliated with Hezbollah."
The three officials noted that Israel would maintain a military presence in the buffer zone.
The proposed "pilot" project is being discussed during the latest round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials that began in Washington on Tuesday.
However, this diplomatic endeavor has faced rejection from Hezbollah, losing prominence after Iran made Lebanon central to its negotiations with the US.
Responding to comments from Israeli officials, a senior Lebanese security official noted that discussions are ongoing in Washington, highlighting talks between the armies about model areas among other issues.
The Lebanese official added that the discussions would focus on a timeline for withdrawal, with any plan only emerging after the final day of talks on Thursday.