Continuous Israeli escalation in southern Lebanon.. US contacts to secure ceasefire - Sarmad

Lebanese presidential sources told Asharq Al-Awsat on Friday that it is too early to set a date for the next round of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Rome, as Israeli forces continue to escalate their operations in southern Lebanon, amid U.S. efforts to contact both sides to stabilize the ceasefire and advance the negotiation process.

The sources clarified that U.S. efforts are focused on securing a ceasefire, taking a new step forward in negotiations, and transitioning to new pilot areas in preparation for the next round of talks, expected in September, without setting a final date.

In this context, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met at the Second Presidential Residence in Aintoura with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Weiss, General Joseph Clerfeld, head of the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L), and the accompanying military delegation, according to the media office of the Lebanese Parliament Speaker.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also held a meeting with Weiss, Clerfeld, and the accompanying delegation, discussing the military aspects of the negotiation framework with Israel and field developments in southern Lebanon.

Salam called for an end to Israeli destruction operations, an expansion of the scope of pilot areas, and the establishment of a clear timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, as U.S. efforts continue to address outstanding security and field issues in preparation for the next round of negotiations.