Lebanon-Israel Pentagon Talks End in Failure as Israel Rejects Withdrawal
More than 9 hours of negotiations ended without a ceasefire as Israel refused withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory and continued demanding the dismantlement of Hezbollah under U.S. sponsorship
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Trilateral military negotiations between Lebanon, the United States, and the Israeli occupation ended without any ceasefire agreement after more than nine hours of talks at the U.S. Department of War, amid continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon and ongoing efforts to place Hezbollah and the Resistance on the negotiating table.
According to official Lebanese sources cited by Al Mayadeen, the Lebanese military delegation failed to secure its primary demand: an actual and comprehensive ceasefire.
The source said the Lebanese delegation remained committed to the demand for a full cessation of hostilities throughout the negotiations but faced repeated rejection from the Israeli occupation.
Israel Refuses Withdrawal, Insists on Dismantling Hezbollah
The same source confirmed that the Israeli delegation refused to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory and continued insisting on the dismantlement of Hezbollah as part of any future arrangement.
The position blocked any possibility of reaching an agreement and highlighted Israel’s continued attempt to achieve politically what it has failed to impose through military aggression.
Despite months of attacks, assassinations, and bombardment across Lebanon, the occupation remains focused on weakening the Resistance rather than ending the conflict.
Pentagon Launches New Security Track
Following the talks, the Pentagon announced what it described as a new “security track” aimed at supporting ongoing discussions between Lebanon and Israel.
The Department of War said the military discussions were “productive” and would serve as a foundation for a political track led by the U.S. State Department, which is scheduled to resume next week.
The Pentagon also reaffirmed that its strategic partnerships with both the Lebanese Army and the Israeli military remain a top priority.
In addition, Washington repeated its call for Lebanon to be free of what it described as “non-state armed groups,” language widely understood as targeting Hezbollah and the Resistance.
The statement reinforced long-standing concerns that the United States continues to align itself with Israeli objectives while presenting itself as a mediator.
Israeli Aggression Continues While Washington Speaks of Peace
The negotiations took place while Israeli attacks against Lebanon continued unabated, despite the ceasefire agreement reached on April 17.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks since March 2, 2026 have killed more than 3,355 people and wounded 10,095 others.
While Washington continues to speak of “peace” and “stability,” Israeli forces remain engaged in military operations and repeated violations of ceasefire commitments.
Critics have increasingly questioned the American role, viewing Washington as closer to and supportive of Israel rather than acting as an impartial party.
Sheikh Naim Qassem: Direct Talks Only Serve Israel
Before the Pentagon meeting, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem explicitly called for abandoning direct negotiations with the occupation and adopting indirect negotiations instead.
“We call for the option of indirect negotiations, where the cards of power are in the Lebanese negotiator’s hand, and for withdrawal from direct negotiations, which constitute pure profits for Israel and gratuitous concessions from the Lebanese authority,” Sheikh Qassem said.
He warned that direct negotiations risk granting political gains to Israel while placing Lebanon under additional pressure.
Resistance Weapons Are Not Negotiable
Sheikh Qassem also stressed that the issue of weapons and resistance is an internal Lebanese matter and not subject to negotiation with the enemy.
“No external party has any authority over Lebanon’s weapons, Resistance, or internal affairs. This is a purely domestic matter and not part of any negotiations with the enemy,” he stated.
As negotiations ended without results, Hezbollah reaffirmed its position that resistance against the occupation remains a legitimate right and that Lebanon’s sovereignty cannot be protected through concessions demanded by Israel or imposed under American sponsorship. (PW)