U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are continuing, and that they include discussion of a gradual handover of control in certain areas to Lebanese authorities. Rubio added that Israel has conveyed to the U.S. that had Hezbollah not operated in the area, its forces would not be in Lebanon.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the state of diplomatic contacts between Israel and Lebanon on Wednesday evening, telling N12 that negotiations are ongoing and that one of the subjects under discussion is a gradual transfer of control in certain areas to the Lebanese authorities. Rubio added that Israel has clarified to the United States that its forces would not be present in Lebanon if Hezbollah were not operating there — a statement that aligns with Israel's longstanding position that its military presence in southern Lebanon is a direct response to Hezbollah's activities and is not a territorial ambition.
The remarks come during a period of active U.S.-mediated diplomacy, as previously reported by The Zioneer. Multiple background-context items in our archive note that Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed that the situation in Lebanon is a war, not a ceasefire — senior security sources told the Zioneer on June 20 that IDF operations continue despite diplomatic rumors. The Zioneer also reported on June 22 that Israel is considering allowing the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of a Hezbollah tunnel site as a test of Beirut's resolve. Rubio's characterization of the talks as addressing a 'gradual handover' appears to reflect the same diplomatic track. No new timetable or specific conditions were outlined in his remarks.
2 developments
- DevelopingRubio: Israeli forces in Lebanon only because of Hezbollah activity, rocket fire
- DevelopingRubio, Lebanese President Aoun discuss Hezbollah disarmament and ceasefire with Israel
- DevelopingPompeo warns: Iran conditions deal on Israel stopping Lebanon operation
- StrongRubio says Lebanon diplomacy separate from Iran talks
Source and signal
- Internal intake