Israel-Lebanon Talks Postponed as Israeli Strikes Intensify in Southern Lebanon

The next round of United States-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon has been postponed amid continued Israeli military strikes and demolitions across southern Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed the postponement during a visit to the southern city of Nabatieh on Saturday, saying there would be “no new negotiations with Israel at the moment.”

Aoun said Lebanon remained committed to the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of prisoners and displaced people, and the reconstruction of affected areas.

Earlier, an unnamed United States official told AFP that the next round of talks, originally scheduled to take place in Rome this month, had been delayed until October.

Instead, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are expected to meet at the US Department of State next week to discuss the implementation of a framework agreement announced in June.

Under the agreement, the Lebanese army is expected to disarm Hezbollah in designated “pilot zones.” Hezbollah, however, has rejected direct negotiations with Israel.

Israeli Forces Continue Operations
The postponement comes as Israeli forces continue military operations across southern Lebanon.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli troops would remain in southern Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its presence in the area.

Israeli forces also detonated about 1,100 tonnes of explosives at what they described as a Hezbollah command complex built into the Ali al-Taher Ridge.

The massive explosion caused tremors across surrounding areas.

Nabatieh, located beneath the ridge, has become a major flashpoint in the conflict. Israeli attacks in the area have reportedly killed at least 29 people over the past two weeks, including 12 members of one family in an air raid on Kfar Ramman.

Heavy explosions were also reported on Saturday in al-Mansouri, with the blasts reportedly heard and felt as far away as Tyre.

Israeli artillery reportedly struck areas around Kfar Reman, Arnoun and Wadi al-Salouqi, while Israeli forces also carried out further demolitions and air attacks.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli forces had destroyed most of a public school in al-Mansouri and conducted air raids on Nabatieh al-Fawqa.

The reports also said Israeli forces had begun demolishing homes by using drones to drop explosive materials onto buildings.

The continued Israeli military campaign has further complicated Lebanon’s efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and revive negotiations aimed at restoring stability in the country’s south.

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