U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters upon his arrival at Al-Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi on June 23, 2026. (Credit: Eric Lee/POOL/AFP)
On the third day of talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, which were set to continue Thursday evening, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported "progress" in the discussions and spoke of the possibility of a "commitment of intent" between the two parties.
"I think we are very close to securing a commitment of intent from both countries," he told reporters during a visit to Bahrain.
Since Tuesday, Beirut and Tel Aviv have been discussing a U.S.-backed proposal calling for the gradual transfer of certain "pilot zones" currently occupied by the Israeli army to the Lebanese Army.
The measure is presented as a first step that could pave the way for the restoration of Lebanese control over these territories.
The talks are also addressing the maintenance of the cease-fire in Lebanon, at a time when the negotiations appear to be partly overshadowed by Iran's efforts to bring the Lebanese issue back to the forefront of its own discussions with the United States.
On Wednesday evening, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said a possible Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon "will eventually happen, but not tomorrow."
Speaking to al-Jadeed TV after the second day of talks in Washington, he described a "good" atmosphere and mentioned the prospect of a "declaration of intent" between the two countries at the end of the round of discussions, scheduled for Thursday evening.
"I think everything will end well," he added, referring "in principle" to the "selection of pilot areas and the issuance of a declaration of intent."
The ambassador, however, acknowledged a "blockage" between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations on the issue during the negotiations.
