Beirut is reportedly seeking to halt a large-scale Israeli ground invasion in south Lebanon by engaging in direct negotiations [Getty]
Israeli and Lebanese representatives are expected to meet for a round of talks in the coming days in an attempt to pursue diplomacy as Israel’s assault on Lebanon intensifies, according to media reports.
Although no official announcement or date has been set, two anonymous sources told Haaretz that officials from Lebanon and Israel were preparing to hold direct negotiations soon.
A Lebanese official also confirmed to Al Jazeera on Saturday that Beirut was preparing to form a negotiating delegation aimed at halting Israel’s advance along Lebanon’s southern border.
According to the official, Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, has opposed including a representative of the Shiite political bloc in the Lebanese delegation, while stressing the importance of ensuring that all factions are represented to reflect national consensus.
The Haaretz report indicated that the Israeli side could be led by Ron Dermer, a former minister and longtime aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A Channel 12 report on Friday said Dermer had been tasked with managing the so-called ‘Lebanon file’ for the duration of the war. The US-born Israeli official served as minister of strategic affairs from 2022 until his resignation late last year.
Although Washington has not confirmed its participation, reports suggest that the potential upcoming talks may also include US representatives, with former presidential adviser Jared Kushner reportedly set to head the American delegation.
According to Haaretz, the negotiations would likely take place either in Cyprus or Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X that he was ready to help facilitate the discussions and host them in the French capital, noting that the Lebanese government had expressed its willingness to hold direct talks with Tel Aviv.
“Every possible step must be taken to prevent Lebanon from sinking into chaos”, Macron said, urging Israel to “forgo a large-scale offensive and cease the massive strikes at a time when hundreds of thousands have already fled the bombings”.
The Cypriot presidency has not issued a comment.
The renewed push for negotiations comes amid the mounting threat of an extensive Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes have also intensified in Beirut and across the country, killing 23 people since dawn on Saturday.
At least 773 people, including more than 100 children, have been killed since the start of Israel’s assault on Lebanon 12 days ago, with nearly 2,000 others wounded.
