Report: US wants government-level talks between Lebanon and Israel

The United States has endorsed Israel’s viewpoint that suggests that Lebanon should take “more effective” steps in the face of Hezbollah, al-Akhbar newspaper quoted Western diplomats as telling Lebanese officials.

“Until Lebanon declares its practical readiness for this step, its demands will be overlooked, especially those related to the situation in the south and the economic assistance,” the daily said.

“Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan told most of the officials he met in Beirut that Riyadh will not adjust its financial support for Lebanon before the completion of the arms monopolization and financial reform files,” the newspaper added.

Lebanon meanwhile received information over the past three days revealing that Israel no longer wants the current ceasefire committee to convene, with the U.S. pressing Lebanon since the beginning of the year to replace it with a new committee of a political nature, al-Akhbar said.

The United States wants “a tripartite committee led by a senior U.S. political officials with Lebanon and Israel represented by ministers or government officials,” the daily added.