As the final round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel commenced this afternoon in Washington, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa stated: "The negotiations are ongoing, and coordination continues, but the situation is more complex than just a ceasefire."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the progress in negotiations, saying: "Yesterday's results were very positive."
Speaking to journalists in Bahrain, Rubio said: "I believe we are very close to achieving a memorandum of understanding between the two countries."
Additionally, Reuters reported that an American State Department official claimed Israel had withdrawn from part of the buffer zone in southern Lebanon. The official stated, "The Israeli withdrawal is a gesture of goodwill towards the Lebanese government." However, an Israeli official remarked, "The Lebanese army should now move into the area vacated by Israel."
Conversely, the Israeli military denied receiving any orders to withdraw from the buffer zone in southern Lebanon. An Israeli Broadcasting Authority statement clarified: "The Israeli army has not withdrawn from any area in Lebanon, nor has any decision been made on the matter." Yisrael Hayom quoted Israeli officers in a Lebanese site who stated they had not received any withdrawal directives. Channel 13 noted that Israel will continue to control most of southern Lebanon.
A Lebanese source refuted Reuters' report concerning the American official's claims about Israeli withdrawal from part of the buffer zone. It was also noted that Israel continues to try to expand its occupation.
Earlier today, reports indicated Israeli evasion in the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations concerning a timeline for withdrawal, with Israel imposing very tough conditions.
Information disclosed more than ten experimental area proposals from the Lebanese delegation, neither gaining approval from Israelis insistent on military operations outside the occupied region south and north of the Litani River.
Moreover, the Lebanese and Israeli military delegations discussed a security appendix, yet many points remain contentious in phrasing and substance, linking withdrawal to complete disarmament, although agreement exists on other points.
In a related context, President Joseph Aoun updated Speaker Nabih Berri on negotiation results, but no immediate meetings are planned with him or Hezbollah representatives.
Meanwhile, in response to the recent refusal for joint photo sessions with the Israeli delegation, a military source clarified that the depicted stance reflects a misunderstanding of the delegation's mission and the sensitive stage Lebanon is undergoing.
The source emphasized the delegation's focus on a national mission based on their mandate, preserving Lebanon's interests and principles. The success of negotiations is measured by tangible outcomes for Lebanon rather than ceremonial photos.
The source added that the blood of slain military personnel due to deliberate Israeli attacks is still fresh, and the scars of aggression linger in many Lebanese regions, necessitating sensitivity to Lebanese sentiment and adhering to the sacrifices made in defending the nation.
The source highlighted the delegation's commitment to professionalism and discipline in executing their national duty, devoid of media or promotional considerations, with a steadfast belief that serving Lebanon's interests is the military's guiding criterion.