Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker, confirmed that the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel will not be finalized before the end of the Israeli elections scheduled for October, according to 'Russia Today'.
Schenker, speaking on a television program, noted that the current meetings aim only to keep the negotiations ongoing and prevent their collapse. He explained that the Lebanese army is expected to expand its deployment in sensitive areas and prevent Hezbollah's redeployment.
He asserted that success in this task will be a crucial factor in prompting Israel to gradually withdraw from occupied areas. He further indicated that forthcoming negotiation rounds could involve prisoner exchanges and Israeli withdrawal from certain regions, though this is unlikely to happen before the October elections.
Schenker emphasized that the United States should play a pivotal role in establishing an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure the Lebanese army fulfills its duties in sensitive areas, encouraging Israel to withdraw. He added that the Lebanese government must impose state sovereignty and end Iranian control over its decisions. Nevertheless, he noted that Tehran will not retreat from supporting its ally Hezbollah and will continue to provide it with support.