Lebanon Rules Out Talks with Israel Until Troops Withdraw

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has rejected the prospect of an early meeting with Israel, warning that the situation is "are not ripe to talk about high-level meetings". In his view, the ceasefire declared on 16 April under US auspices must first be consolidated, as mutual attacks between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon continue.

Salam stressed that Lebanon was not seeking "normalization with Israel, but rather achieving peace". A key condition, he said, is a clear timetable for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

The Lebanese government is also drawing up a plan to bring weapons under state control, a move that would weaken Hezbollah's influence.

Despite US efforts to broker dialogue, prospects for rapid progress remain limited. US President Donald Trump recently spoke of a "great chance" for peace later this year, but conditions on the ground tell a different story. Israeli attacks have continued to cause casualties and Hezbollah has kept up its rocket attacks.

(reuters, max)