Report: US believes negotiations with Lebanon serve interest of Washington and Israel

The U.S. administration believes it is in the interest of both Israel and the U.S. to begin negotiations with Lebanon, but disagreements persist regarding the details, with Israel insisting on conducting them "under fire," U.S. sources in Washington told Al-Jadeed TV.

"The Israeli official in charge of the negotiations with Lebanon, Ron Dermer, conveyed to the U.S. administration that Israel's only problem is with Hezbollah, and that it has no problem with Lebanon," the sources said.

As for Paris' efforts, sources told Al-Jadeed that "France has expressed its full support for President Joseph Aoun's initiative and discussed ways to strengthen it to ensure its success."

"France understands all the steps taken by Lebanon and considers them very courageous, and it does not wish to disarm illegal groups by force," the sourced said.

The sources revealed that the French foreign minister has contacted his U.S. counterpart and the Israeli official responsible for the negotiations with Lebanon, Ron Dermer, who expressed "their readiness to discuss the Lebanese issue but want more serious steps."

The report added: "Despite French support, concerns remain regarding France's ability to influence the Israeli side. Efforts are underway at the political and diplomatic levels, but so far there are no signs of any breakthrough or solution."