A Lebanese military delegation is scheduled to meet US and Israeli officials in Tampa, Florida, on October 20 to demand an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations within Lebanese territory.
The announcement was made by the Lebanese presidency via a post on the social media platform X on Saturday. This engagement signifies a critical diplomatic effort by Beirut to de-escalate ongoing hostilities.
Lebanon and Israel have engaged in several direct discussions in recent months concerning the cessation of hostilities. These tensions have been particularly acute since the outbreak of renewed conflict on March 2 between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, a situation exacerbated by the broader regional conflict.
A previously brokered deal, facilitated by the United States, stipulated that Beirut would disarm Hezbollah. In return, Israeli forces were to withdraw gradually from Lebanon. However, Hezbollah has resisted disarmament as long as Israeli troops remain on Lebanese soil, prompting continued Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon.
