Lebanon-Israel talks move to the Pentagon as security file enters new phase

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Middle East 25-05-2026 | 08:36

Lebanon-Israel talks move to the Pentagon as security file enters new phase

The shift in venue reflects US direct involvement as Lebanon pushes for ceasefire guarantees while Israel prepares to present intelligence claims and new field data.
Iskandar Khashasho
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Lebanon-Israel talks move to the Pentagon as security file enters new phase
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Lebanon is facing an extremely sensitive phase ahead of the anticipated security and military meeting between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations on May 29 at the Pentagon, in what is considered the most advanced step since the ceasefire agreement following the latest war in southern Lebanon, and a prelude to the resumption of direct negotiation rounds between the two sides on June 2 and 3 under the sponsorship of the US Department of State.

 

According to sources familiar with the preparations for the meeting, the Lebanese military delegation is heading to Washington with a clear file centered first and foremost on a key demand: securing the ceasefire and stopping Israeli violations, as any further discussions remain impossible without achieving this.

 

The sources stressed that the delegation will emphasize to the Americans that the continued Israeli occupation of the five border points is obstructing the completion of the Lebanese Army’s deployment up to the southern border and preventing it from fully extending its authority across the area.

 

The delegation will also present what the Lebanese Army has accomplished since its deployment in the south following the November 2024 agreement, explaining that it carried out its duties with limited capabilities and under complex field conditions, and that the military institution paid a human price during weapons and mine dismantling operations, with more than 12 soldiers killed and several others wounded while carrying out these missions.

 

The delegation will also point out that the Lebanese Army did not possess prior information regarding the locations of tunnels or weapons caches, contrary to Israeli claims, and that all measures carried out are documented with the Army Command and the “Mechanism” Committee overseeing the implementation of the understandings.

 

In addition, the delegation will raise the issue of military aid, as Army leadership considers that the Western and American promises made to support the military institution have not been fulfilled as required, despite the growing responsibilities placed on it in southern Lebanon.

 

 

Why the Pentagon?

 

The significance of the meeting also lies in where it is being held. Moving the talks from Naqoura to the Pentagon reflects a shift in the file from a limited field level framework to a security and strategic track being managed directly by Washington.

 

The US administration is treating this process as an opportunity to test the Lebanese Army’s ability to stabilize the border situation and adapt to new security arrangements in southern Lebanon, alongside pressure aimed at reaching broader understandings related to restricting weapons exclusively to the Lebanese state.

 

According to converging information, the Israeli side is preparing to present maps and coordinates related to sites, tunnels, and weapons depots it claims belong to Hezbollah, not only south of the Litani River but also north of it and in the Bekaa region, opening the door to a more sensitive phase regarding the role expected from the Lebanese Army.

 

However, Lebanese military sources stress that there is a major difference between a mission focused on strengthening deployment and border monitoring and becoming involved in operations based on Israeli intelligence inside Lebanese territory. They emphasized that any step of this kind requires a clear Lebanese political decision and full government backing.

 

At the same time, despite the speculation surrounding preparations for the meeting, informed sources denied the existence of any official proposal to establish a joint Lebanese Israeli operations room or to create a special Army force dedicated exclusively to handling Hezbollah’s weapons in the south.

 

The Lebanese delegation heading to Washington will be led by the Army’s Director of Operations, Brigadier General Georges Rizkallah, and includes Brigadier General Ziad Rizkallah, Brigadier General Omar Hlayhel, Brigadier General Wael Abbas, Colonel Mazen El Hajj, Colonel Wadih Rafoul, in addition to the Lebanese military attaché in Washington, Brigadier General Oliver Hakmeh.

 

According to the sources, the Lebanese delegation is heading to the Pentagon under clear instructions focused on securing the ceasefire first and explaining what the Army has implemented on the ground, without entering into any commitments that go beyond UN Resolution 1701 or the traditional role of the Lebanese military institution.

 

Tags
Pentagon ، ceasefire ، mechanism ، Hezbollah ، Lebanese army ، Washington ، South Lebanon ، Lebanon ، Israel ، US Department of State. ، Lebanese Army ، Litani River ، UN Resolution 1701