Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter issued a series of statements on Thursday ahead of the expected third round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, signaling that any broader political or security arrangement would be conditioned on the dismantling of Hezbollah and stronger Lebanese state action on the ground.
In remarks to the Israeli news outlet Walla, Leiter said Israel would not accept any arrangement that allows Hezbollah to maintain or rebuild its military capabilities. “We will never agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon while allowing Hezbollah to rearm,” the ambassador said.
Leiter added that Israel is open to pursuing a broader diplomatic framework with Beirut, but only under strict conditions tied to Hezbollah’s disarmament. “We are prepared for a broader political process with Lebanon on the condition that Hezbollah is dismantled,” he said.
The ambassador emphasized that Israel expects concrete measures from the Lebanese state, particularly regarding the Lebanese Armed Forces and implementation of security arrangements in the south. “We need to see in practical terms how the Lebanese government is strengthening the army and acting on the ground,” Leiter stated.
He further indicated that Israel envisions direct coordination with Lebanese authorities over areas where Hezbollah maintains a military presence. “We will define a specific area with the Lebanese government and plan together how to clear it of Hezbollah weapons,” he said.
According to Leiter, the upcoming negotiations would proceed simultaneously on political and security tracks. “We will work with the Lebanese delegation on two tracks: the first is a ‘peace treaty’ and the second is a ‘security’ track,” he said, adding that “our presence in Lebanon is because of Hezbollah, and we must deal with its disarmament.”
Leiter also dismissed Lebanese government claims regarding implementation of disarmament measures south of the Litani River. “The Lebanese government’s talk about disarmament south of the Litani River is far from reality,” he said.
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