The U.S. ambassadors to Lebanon and Israel convened in Jordan on Monday to discuss the steps needed for a sustainable peace between the two countries as former ambassador Simon Karam expresses further willingness for direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.
The meeting in Jordan underscored a renewed commitment to diplomacy on the Lebanon-Israel front ahead of plans for another ceasefire monitoring mechanism meeting likely to take place in February despite the mechanism having been temporarily put on hold.
As the ceasefire monitoring mechanism remains paused, the gathering of U.S. delegations seeks to maintain the momentum that was achieved with the meeting of Lebanese and Israeli civilian officials in December 2025.
On Sunday, Simon Karam, Lebanon’s civilian delegate to the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, signaled his commitment to negotiations with Israel with the goal of a more lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon.
Karam stated that he “would go to political negotiations with Israel not in Ras al-Naqoura but in Tel Aviv" if given a mandate by Lebanon’s leadership.
Last week, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the Lebanese Armed Forces has full operational control south of the Litani River, and on Saturday the Qatari government pledged $480 million toward the reconstruction of towns in southern Lebanon.
Logistical challenges in southern Lebanon remain as the Lebanese government proceeds to strengthen its sovereignty north of the Litani River. Karam noted that Hezbollah is not compliant with the transfer of arms to the Lebanese state despite full operational control, maintaining a pretext for Israel to continue striking Lebanon.
Much of Israel’s strikes have targeted reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon where Hezbollah may be regrouping and rebuilding their military capabilities.
Karam’s focus is on creating the conditions for residents of southern Lebanon to return to their towns as part of demonstrating Lebanon’s commitment toward securing its southern reaches in seeking a viable peace with Israel
Comments