US opposes military escalation in Lebanon amid peace negotiations

The United States administration has reportedly informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of its opposition to further military escalation in Lebanon, specifically targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut. Washington seeks to prevent such actions from disrupting ongoing negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

US efforts are focused on establishing a mechanism to verify the disarmament of Hezbollah in areas where the Israeli military withdraws. A proposed plan involves the deployment of the Lebanese Army into these areas, designated as ‘pilot zones,’ in exchange for verifying the removal of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. Beirut has expressed openness to a verification mechanism that could include a specialized committee and potentially an EU mission.

A military meeting is tentatively planned for October 20 at US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Florida to discuss these arrangements. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged in diplomatic communications with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Netanyahu to press for adherence to a framework agreement and a cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon.