Lebanon cautious on new Israel talks as southern tensions rise

Lebanese authorities are taking a cautious approach to joining a new round of negotiations with Israel, as Israeli forces continue to demolish homes and bulldoze residences in several southern Lebanese villages, following seven previous rounds of direct talks between the two sides.

An official Lebanese source told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that authorities are awaiting the outcome of ongoing contacts before making a final decision on participating in the Rome talks, stressing that Lebanon is holding firm to three main demands: a ceasefire, expansion of experimental areas, and an end to demolition operations.

The source described Israel's publication of a map showing the annexation of southern Lebanese land as an "unacceptable violation," noting that the issue of land annexation has been added to the agenda for the upcoming Rome negotiations.

The source also revealed that Lebanese Army Commander Joseph Aoun has instructed officials to take action with both the United States and the United Nations to address the matter.

Lebanon and Israel concluded their seventh round of direct talks in Rome on August 6.

A source in the Lebanese presidency explained that Israel rejected Lebanon's request to designate a new area for the withdrawal of its forces from the south, insisting instead on verifying Lebanese army control over two previously evacuated areas.

Tensions escalated on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the onset of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran. Israel retaliated with airstrikes and a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, resulting in more than 4,300 deaths, according to Lebanese authorities.