Key facts
- Israel and Lebanon are discussing a US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to transfer some invaded territory to the Lebanese military.
- Lebanese troops involved in the proposal would undergo US training and vetting.
- Israel would maintain a military presence in a buffer zone along the border.
- The talks are described as a 'train wreck' by an Israeli ambassador.
- The negotiations are overshadowed by US-Iran diplomatic efforts.
- Hezbollah has rejected the proposal.
Talks between Israel and Lebanon include discussion of a U.S.-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand over some territory they have invaded during the war with Hezbollah to the Lebanese military, according to Israeli and Lebanese officials. The Lebanese troops involved would undergo U.S. training and vetting to ensure they are not linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah, while Israel would maintain a military presence in a buffer zone along the border. This proposed 'pilot' project is being discussed in the latest round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials in Washington. The diplomatic track has been rejected by Hezbollah and is overshadowed by Iran's negotiations with the U.S. A senior Lebanese security official confirmed ongoing discussions focusing on a withdrawal timeline. The latest war between Hezbollah and Israel erupted when the group opened fire at Israel in solidarity with Tehran. A ceasefire has largely held since Sunday, though Israeli forces remain deployed inside southern Lebanon. An interim agreement signed by Iran and the U.S. requires an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and to ensure Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty.