Lebanese officials meet U.S. Secretary of State over security and UNIFIL replacement

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to discuss the future of security in southern Lebanon and the potential postponement of negotiations with Israel. Lebanese officials are seeking American pressure to prevent Israel from expanding its security zone and to ensure a lasting ceasefire.

A critical component of the discussions involves the replacement of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Following the failure to extend UNIFIL's mandate, Lebanon is exploring the formation of an alternative international force to support the Lebanese Army in deploying south of the Litani River.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji stated that the government is focused on asserting sovereignty over its entire territory through diplomatic channels. He noted that the Lebanese government is negotiating directly for its interests and emphasized that the state is working to establish control over its borders, despite challenges regarding Hezbollah's weaponry and the ongoing Israeli military escalations.