Vance said Lebanon ceasefire efforts remain “a work in progress” as a fragile calm held and Israel insisted it would keep troops in the south. [Getty]
A fragile calm held across Lebanon on Monday after days of intense and deadly Israeli bombardment, as US Vice President JD Vance described efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire as “a work in progress” and stressed the need for “proper coordination” on Lebanon.
Vance’s comments came after talks between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland and a phone call involving Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Vance, senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, focused on stabilising the ceasefire and preventing further Israeli escalation.
According to the Lebanese presidency, the discussions addressed ways to consolidate the ceasefire, halt Israeli military attacks and explore the formation of a mechanism to oversee implementation.
Aoun welcomed international efforts to end the war but insisted that Lebanon’s sovereignty was not up for negotiation.
“We welcome any assistance to end the war, but we distinguish between assistance and interference in internal affairs because we are a sovereign country and no one negotiates on our behalf,” Aoun said.
The diplomatic activity followed talks between Washington and Tehran in Switzerland on Sunday, where the two sides agreed to establish a working group, alongside Lebanon and with mediation from regional partners, aimed at preventing further escalation and ensuring compliance with understandings intended to end the war.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Qatari and Pakistani mediation had achieved “significant progress” towards ending the conflict in Lebanon.
Iran has repeatedly called for Israel to halt its attacks and withdraw from the occupied areas of southern Lebanon, and Iranian officials said Lebanon was among the key issues discussed during the Switzerland talks.
The diplomatic efforts come ahead of a new round of Lebanon-Israel talks scheduled to take place in Washington from 23 to 25 June, where officials are expected to discuss ceasefire implementation, security arrangements along the border and steps towards a more durable truce.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Sunday that Israeli forces would remain in the so-called “security zone” inside southern Lebanon.
“The Israeli army will remain in the security belt in southern Lebanon as long as necessary,” Netanyahu said during a memorial ceremony for his brother Yoni Netanyahu, adding that Israel had achieved “great accomplishments” and would not relinquish them.
Israeli media reported on Monday that there was no intention to withdraw from southern Lebanon despite pressure from Washington. However, officials were reportedly considering adjustments to troop deployments to reduce risks to soldiers.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also rejected any US restrictions on Israeli military operations in Lebanon and called for the country to become a “playground” for Israeli military action.
He argued that no distinction should be made between Lebanon and Hezbollah and called for all Lebanese territory to be treated as a potential target.
The fragile calm followed one of the deadliest escalations since fighting resumed in March. More than 150 Israeli strikes were reported across Lebanon on Friday, killing around 50 people and wounding about 100 others, according to Lebanese media reports.
On Monday, Lebanon’s Civil Defence said rescue teams had recovered the bodies of 13 people from beneath the rubble in Nabatieh and Marjayoun districts following Israeli attacks over the weekend.
Israeli drones were also reported flying over Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday despite the relative lull in hostilities.
