Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Rajji stated that Lebanon has not issued any official response to US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, who suggested opening political negotiations with Israel. “Any form of normalization with Israel is out of the question, and Beirut categorically rejects any direct political negotiations with Tel Aviv, even though this option was not explicitly mentioned by the United States,” he asserted.
In an interview with Al-Liwaa newspaper on Friday, Rajji clarified that “the three diplomatic committees mentioned by Morgan Ortagus have not yet been formed, but discussions are ongoing regarding the issues she raised: Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, the release of Lebanese prisoners and the demarcation of land borders.”
He also emphasized that Lebanon's priority remains implementing the 1949 Armistice Agreement under the auspices of the United Nations.
It is recalled that on March 12, following a meeting between Israeli officials and representatives from the United States, France and Lebanon, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that an agreement had been reached to establish three working groups to address three issues: the five strategic points from which the Israelis have yet to withdraw in southern Lebanon, negotiations concerning the Blue Line and disputed areas and the issue of Lebanese detainees in Israel.
US Pressure and Diplomatic Tensions
According to the local channel Al-Jadeed, Ortagus reportedly warned Lebanese authorities that the US might withdraw from the ceasefire monitoring committee between Lebanon and Israel, which would give Tel Aviv greater room for maneuver. During phone calls with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, she is said to have stressed the importance of forming Lebanese civilian committees to initiate discussions, linking this requirement to continued US engagement.
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