A new round of talks between Lebanon and Israel will take place today in Washington, D.C., with key issues including a ceasefire along the border, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the role of Hezbollah.

According to sources cited by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, Israel is expected to inform the Lebanese delegation that it does not intend to commit to a comprehensive ceasefire.

The same sources say that Tel Aviv will make clear that its strategy remains “to eliminate any threat to Israel’s security and to the residents of the northern part of the country.”

According to the reports, the U.S. side is largely aligned with Israel’s position, and the Trump administration is not expected to push for a full and immediate ceasefire.

The sources further claim that the most Israel appears willing to offer at present is to limit operations away from the Litani River line and to avoid strikes in the northern Bekaa Valley and Beirut. “As for a comprehensive ceasefire, it will be difficult and uncertain,” they said.

What Lebanon is seeking

Lebanon is seeking an end to hostilities and a cessation of destruction in southern villages, while Israel says its goal is to neutralize Hezbollah and establish conditions of “lasting security.”

The Lebanese delegation is participating in the talks under Ambassador Shimon Karam, while the Israeli side is led in Washington by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Lebanese and Syrian issues.

According to reports, neither the United States nor Israel appear willing to ease pressure on Hezbollah.

Instead, the Lebanese government is expected to face strong pressure to curb the group’s military capabilities, strengthen state control across the country, and reduce Iranian influence.

Meanwhile, U.S. sources appear more positive toward the Lebanese leadership under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

U.S. willing to strengthen the Lebanese army

According to sources cited by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, Washington believes the Lebanese Armed Forces can make progress if they receive increased U.S. support.

The United States reportedly believes the Lebanese military needs more personnel, equipment, and financial assistance to expand state control, particularly in areas involving Hezbollah.

According to the same sources, Israel has signaled to Washington that it would not oppose U.S. efforts to reinforce and equip the Lebanese army.

However, the most important element of the consultations concerns the possibility of a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.

Sources familiar with the talks say Israel is prepared to fully withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory once Beirut ensures full control of the area and guarantees that no attacks by Hezbollah or other organizations will take place.

The same sources also note that Israel is not linking its withdrawal to the signing of a peace agreement with Lebanon.

If confirmed, this position would represent a significant shift from Israel’s long-standing “land for peace” policy that has shaped its negotiations with Arab states for decades.