Lebanese army delegation heads to Tampa talks to press for an end to Israeli attacks

A Lebanese military delegation will meet Israeli and US representatives in Tampa, Florida, on 20 October, the Lebanese presidency announced. It will present Beirut's demand for a halt to Israeli attacks, and Aoun's office said it hopes for results consistent with the 26 June framework agreement, Reuters reported.

Under that US-brokered deal, Lebanon committed to disarming Hezbollah in exchange for a gradual Israeli withdrawal. Hezbollah refuses to disarm while Israeli troops remain, and Israeli strikes in the south continue.

LBCI reported that Israel has moved its 36th and 91st divisions and the Golani Brigade to the border. An Israeli political official said Israel would make no concessions on withdrawal, an end to operations or prisoner releases, and Israeli officials described the meeting as "largely a formality".

For Lebanon, the path is clear: the state's army, alone, on every inch of the south. We pray the talks bring the guns closer to silence.