Israel, US discuss 'expanded' talks with Lebanon, return of displaced Lebanese

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. envoy Tom Barack discussed in their meeting on Monday a framework to “continue civil dialogue with Lebanon, with expectations that it will soon expand to additional areas,” diplomatic sources told the Israel Hayom newspaper.

Two weeks ago, a first meeting took place between Israeli and Lebanese civilian representatives, laying the groundwork for ongoing talks concerning both “preventing Hezbollah's re-armament and issues related to the border line and IDF (Israeli army) activity in Lebanese territory,” Israel Hayom said.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled for December 19 and at the Netanyahu-Barack meeting they agreed on “a framework for talks and topics to be discussed between the sides, including coordination on the return of residents from southern Lebanon to their homes, specifically those not from pro-Hezbollah villages,” the Israeli daily added.

According to the sources, the meeting reinforced coordination between Israel and the U.S. on Syria and Lebanon issues. They say there is a consensus that Israel “has the right to defend itself actively, meaning to strike terrorist organizations and terrorists wherever they pose a real threat.”

“On the Lebanese front, discussion focused on tightening coordination with the Lebanese army to enable it to fulfill its mission of uncovering Hezbollah's weapons and ammunition stockpiles in the country's south. Barack was presented with data and intelligence showing that the Lebanese are not sufficiently determined in this mission and that the IDF (Israeli army), therefore, needs to conduct strikes on sites where the Lebanese army cannot or does not want to operate,” the sources said.