Lebanon pursues direct negotiations with Israel under US sponsorship

Lebanese Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar has announced that Lebanon is pursuing a specific path of direct negotiations with Israel, conducted under United States sponsorship. The primary objectives of these negotiations are to secure an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, facilitate the deployment of the Lebanese Army, and enable the return of residents to their villages.

During an official visit to Pakistan, Al-Hajjar met with the Pakistani President, Prime Minister, and Army Chief to discuss regional tensions and the situation in Lebanon. The visit resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Lebanon and Pakistan for prisoner exchanges, alongside discussions on cooperation regarding narcotics, security threats, and information sharing.

Additionally, Al-Hajjar noted that Pakistan has expressed readiness to support Lebanon and will participate in a preparatory conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces. This conference, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, is expected to address the needs and challenges facing these security institutions.