Lebanon and Israel Hold Military-Level Talks at CENTCOM in Florida

Military and technical talks between Lebanon and Israel concluded on Oct 21 at US Central Command headquarters in Florida under US mediation. Participants reviewed implementation of the June framework agreement and the designated areas in southern Lebanon from which Israeli forces are expected to withdraw. President Aoun said the Lebanese military delegation would press for an end to Israeli escalation in the south and sought an extension of the UNIFIL mandate to prevent a security vacuum. No outcome had been reported at time of writing.