Exclusive: What the Lebanese government wants from talks with Israel

Caught between Israeli belligerence, Iranian power projection and lukewarm American attention, the Lebanese government is trying to create a new format for negotiations that makes it an equal party in any discussions over Lebanon’s future.

The problem, however, is if any of those powers will take the Lebanese government seriously and allow it to assert real influence.

Next week, a Lebanese delegation will meet Israeli officials in Washington for talks on ending Israel’s war on Lebanon and the future of Hezbollah.

According to diplomats and Lebanese officials, Lebanon’s aim is to make sure that any talks and decisions are made only through the presidency and similar state institutions.

The government is keen to discard military-focused mechanisms previously used to resolve issues with Israel, and disentangle Lebanon from whatever agreements Iran may be making with the United States.

Read more: Excusive: What the Lebanese government wants from talks with Israel