Israel-Lebanon talks postponed as explosions rock southern Lebanon

Conflict in southern Lebanon: Israeli expands occupation beyond military boundary

The next round of United States-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon has been postponed as Israeli forces continue to strike and demolish buildings across southern Lebanon.

In a sudden visit to the war-stricken southern city of Nabatieh on Saturday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that “there will be no new negotiations with Israel at the moment.

“Withdrawal, the return of prisoners and displaced people, and reconstruction are national principles that we pledge to implement,” he was quoted as saying.

Earlier, the AFP news agency quoted an unnamed US official as saying the next round of talks scheduled for this month in Rome will not be happening until October.

The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors will instead meet at the Department of State next week to discuss the continued implementation of a framework agreement announced in June, the official said.

Under that agreement, the Lebanese army would disarm Hezbollah in so-called “pilot zones”. The Lebanese armed group has rejected direct talks with Israel.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement pledging their forces would remain in southern Lebanon, to stop Hezbollah re-establishing its presence there.