US emerges as key player: Divisions complicate Lebanon's stance on Israel talks

Report by Bassam Abou Zeid, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

As the U.S.-led war on Iran enters its fourth week, a conflict that has drawn Hezbollah into the confrontation, the United States has emerged as the central actor in any discussion of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

Washington's position was conveyed by U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa, who said there would be no ceasefire and that direct negotiations could proceed while the war continues.

That stance has strained relations between some Lebanese officials and the U.S. envoy, with sources familiar with the matter describing a growing disconnect. "We don't understand him, and he doesn't understand us," one source said.

Amid this confusion, a series of high-level meetings took place in Beirut. 

For the first time since the start of the war, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met face to face. Aoun also held a separate meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, though no trilateral meeting was held bringing the three leaders together.

Talks between Aoun and Berri highlighted clear differences. Aoun is said to support launching direct negotiations with Israel even amid ongoing hostilities, with priority given to forming a negotiating delegation that includes Shiite representation. He also sees a ceasefire guarantee, most likely from Washington, as essential.

However, Berri is insisting on a ceasefire and the return of displaced Lebanese before any negotiations begin, after which a delegation including a Shiite representative could be formed.

Shortly after Berri's departure, Salam arrived for talks with Aoun, a move that appeared to signal a push to maintain a unified official stance on the negotiation initiative and on adherence to Cabinet decisions. The message also underscored that the state would not tolerate attempts to destabilize the internal situation.

Ultimately, negotiations require two sides. 

Lebanon's position remains divided between the approaches of Aoun and Salam on one hand and Berri on the other, while Israel appears determined to continue the war even if the conflict with Iran subsides, and the United States continues to exert pressure in Israel's favor.