The indirect negotiations between Lebanon and Israel are heading into a more sensitive and complex phase, with both parties preparing to involve military and professional levels in the third round of talks expected in Washington next week, amid intense American pressure to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire in the south.
According to a report by journalists Eti Blumenthal and Gili Cohen on the Israeli broadcaster Kan, officers from the Israeli army, and most likely representatives of the Lebanese army as well, will participate in the next round of talks, scheduled for the end of next week in Washington.
The report indicated that the talks will not be limited this time to American, Israeli and Lebanese diplomats, but will also include professional and military levels that will discuss maps and field arrangements in an attempt to chart the next stages related to extending the ceasefire.
According to the report, the Israeli army is preparing to send the head of the army’s Strategic Division, Brigadier General Amichai Levin, to Washington, after obtaining special approval from Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz.
As for the Lebanese side, it is expected to send a professional delegation that may also include military representatives, according to what was reported by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
The form of military officers’ participation in the meetings has not yet been decided, as it is still unclear whether they will enter the negotiation hall directly, or will be content with providing briefings to diplomats during breaks, or presenting field assessments related to the security situation and Israel’s demands from Lebanon regarding Hezbollah.
According to the report, the inclusion of military figures in the talks is considered an “escalation in the level of negotiation,” and reflects the transition of communications to a more practical stage, in light of great American pressure to prevent renewed military confrontation on the northern front.
The report also revealed that the US administration is seeking to extend the existing ceasefire, which is supposed to end in about a week.
