While the United States continues negotiations with Iran in Muscat, Washington is also directing smaller, focused talks on southern Lebanon. Diplomats tell Al-Modon that a new framework is taking shape for Lebanon-Israel talks, centered on direct bilateral communication between the U.S. ambassadors in each country. The outcomes of these talks would then be shared with officials in both Lebanon and Israel for follow-up. The approach effectively limits outside involvement while consolidating U.S. oversight.

The military “mechanism” committee will remain in place, but in a reduced capacity, and its role is expected to gradually diminish over time.

Political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel remain on hold pending the results of the Muscat talks, which are anticipated to provide a clearer picture of broader regional dynamics. Sources familiar with the process told Al-Modon that U.S. ambassadors will handle all communications on behalf of the two sides, excluding France and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Washington will therefore oversee the track in its entirety.

The framework emerged after Israel requested direct bilateral talks with Lebanon, a proposal Beirut rejected. Consequently, the United States, insisting on a central role, brokered the current hybrid arrangement.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa is reportedly following a strategy similar to that of U.S. envoy, Tom Barrack, who had advocated opening a direct channel with Hezbollah to reach a settlement. Political sources who have met with Issa say his approach remains consistent: solutions should emerge through internal Lebanese dialogue, while Washington remains open to exploring indirect communication with Hezbollah.