Jerusalem and Beirut frustrated with Trump, hampering US plan to phase IDF out of Lebanon (opens original article in a new tab)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed discussions between Israel and Lebanon about reducing Israeli troops in southern Lebanon as part of Trump administration negotiations, but talks have been unproductive due to mutual frustration with the administration's approach.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed discussions between Israel and Lebanon about reducing Israeli troops in southern Lebanon as part of Trump administration negotiations.
• Israel and Lebanon expressed frustration with the Trump administration's decision to include a ceasefire in the memorandum of understanding with Iran, which they believe undermines the purpose of the US-established channel to limit Iran's influence.
• The US hoped for a pilot program allowing IDF to withdraw from small areas of southern Lebanon, but talks have been unproductive, with Lebanon presenting expansive withdrawal maps that Israel is unwilling to accept.