Lebanon’s PM: Negotiations with Israel do not mean normalization

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Salam Nawaf says representatives from the Beirut government are engaged in negotiations with Israeli counterparts, but the Arab nation is not seeking normalization with the occupying regime.

Salam said the ongoing talks are not separate from regional developments, particularly the Iran-US negotiation process mediated by Pakistan.

He said communication with the Hezbollah resistance movement is conducted through the group's representatives in the government.

The Lebanese prime minister said it is "too early" to speak of a potential meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister. Nawaf reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to pursuing peace.

He said this is not the first time Lebanon has negotiated with Israel, either directly or indirectly.

“We are not going toward normalization, but toward peace.”

The Lebanese prime minister said abidance by the ceasefire forms the basis for any fresh round of talks with Israel.

A third round of so-called peace talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives is expected to take place next week at the US State Department.

Experts do not see much hope for a positive outcome.

The Lebanese delegation will include senior diplomat Simon Karam, Lebanon's Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad, as well as a representative from the Lebanese army.

Over the past few days, Lebanon's ambassador to Washington has been in close contact with the State Department, and briefed US officials on recurrent Israeli violations of the ceasefire.

The meetings between the two sides have reportedly dealt with the extension of the truce, and complete cessation of Israeli atrocities.

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