Khaberni - Yedioth Ahronoth reports that the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States will conduct a joint telephone call this evening with an American official, as part of preparations for the launch of direct negotiations.
According to the newspaper, the parties are scheduled to discuss the clauses and mechanisms of the anticipated negotiations during the call, which are expected to begin next week, reflecting a new diplomatic move between the two countries.
The newspaper added that the call will take place at nine o'clock in the evening local time, corresponding to two o'clock in the afternoon Washington time, amid American interest in creating the conditions for the start of these talks.
This development comes ahead of the anticipated meeting next week in Washington, with a clear disparity between the Israeli narrative and that conveyed by diplomatic parties, including Lebanese and American entities. While sources in Maariv newspaper describe the step as an actual start of direct negotiations between the sides, other sources confirm that the matter is still in a preliminary phase aimed at consolidating the ceasefire and preparing the political conditions, especially considering the Lebanese caution linked to domestic considerations and Hezbollah's role in the equation.
According to reports, the choice of representation level through the ambassadors came as a compromise solution that allows the launching of the negotiation channel without embarrassing the leadership in Beirut domestically, while Tel Aviv sees this course as a gradual start to actual negotiations. Data also reveal internal differences in Israel regarding linking the Lebanese front with broader ceasefire arrangements, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided his stance by rejecting any formula that could be interpreted as a truce that gives Hezbollah an additional margin, despite there being approaches within some political circles to support a broader American approach led by President Donald Trump.
