The United States ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, during a meeting with the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joe Rajji, in Beirut, on Dec. 8, 2025. (Credit: Reuters)
U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa stated Wednesday from Ain al-Tineh, following a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, that "just because Lebanese-Israeli talks have begun does not mean that Israel will stop its operations," while adding that Tel Aviv makes a distinction between "negotiations with the Lebanese government" and "its war against Hezbollah."
"Just because the negotiations have begun does not mean that Israel will stop its operations. The Israelis see these two matters as completely separate: the talks are being held with the Lebanese government, while their war is directed against Hezbollah. These are two distinct issues," the U.S. ambassador told the press.
His comments came a week after lawyer and former ambassador Simon Karam was appointed to the committee overseeing the implementation of the cease-fire agreement, while the Israelis also named a civilian representative, as until then the "mechanism" had only included military members.
Both civilians took part on Dec. 3 in a meeting of the "mechanism" with U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, as the United States chairs this cease-fire monitoring committee, along with military representatives from both countries, as well as French officials and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Between drone strikes, house demolitions, machine-gun fire, ground incursions and air raids, the Israeli army continues to attack South Lebanon, the Bekaa, and, to a lesser extent, Beirut's southern suburbs, despite the cease-fire that took effect on Nov. 27, 2024 between Hezbollah and Israel.
The Israeli state says it is targeting Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure in Lebanon and thwarting the party's alleged efforts to rebuild, while the Lebanese Army has committed to disarming the group.
Issa noted that "not too much importance should be attached to the first day of negotiations" on Dec. 3.
The main thing, he said, "is to open the door to dialogue and allow each side to state its position when the time comes." He also believes that once negotiations are underway, "things can move closer and outstanding issues can be resolved more effectively."
When asked if he had a message for Hezbollah, which refuses to disarm as the Lebanese government has demanded since last summer, Issa replied that Hezbollah "must assume the responsibilities incumbent upon it," adding that the pro-Iranian group "knows exactly what it has to do."
The American diplomat also emphasized that "aid to the Lebanese Army continues." He added that no date has been set for the visit of army commander Rodolphe Haykal to Washington, though he believes it will eventually occur.
Before the decision regarding the Lebanese-Israeli talks, the Trump administration had accused the Lebanese army of stalling in disarming Hezbollah, a provision of the truce agreement. To pressure authorities for faster disarmament, the administration had canceled meetings in Washington planned by Haykal. According to Issa, the commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Army wants to send a message to U.S. officials and believes "it is preferable that he deliver it personally."
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