US ambassador urges Lebanon and Israel to talk even if there is no ceasefire

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said the United States is concerned about Lebanon's situation and its independence from war, and he is doing everything possible to achieve this goal.

He said he shares Patriarch Beshara al-Rai's concern and wants to stop the war.

He noted that he appreciates President Joseph Aoun's decision to meet with Israeli leaders to resolve the crisis.

He stated that he believes the Israelis have decided they will not stop their attacks on Lebanon, so Lebanon must decide whether it can meet with the Israeli side while the attacks continue.

Issa argued that peace between Lebanon and Israel cannot be achieved without meetings and urged the Lebanese side to consider the necessity of meeting with the Israeli side to reach a solution.

He also emphasized that the Lebanese Army must do what is required of it and should remain in the southern Christian villages to protect them, noting that things are going well.

Israel’s Ron Dermer is set to lead talks on Lebanon, following reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tapped the former minister and longtime aide to handle the Lebanon file for the duration of the ongoing Mideast war.

Dermer will reportedly lead talks with the US government regarding Lebanon, along with negotiations with the Lebanese government itself, if they are launched in the coming weeks, as proposed by Lebanese president Joseph Aoun.

The article notes that these diplomatic moves come within the larger context of the ongoing Mideast war.

It mentions the possibility of negotiations with the Lebanese government in the coming weeks as proposed by President Joseph Aoun.