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Lebanon Takes a Harder Line in Israel-Lebanon Talks in Washington
(Times of Israel) Jacob Magid - A government official and a second source told the Times of Israel on Wednesday that this week's round of talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington have been the least productive to date. The sources cited frustration with the Trump administration's decision to make a ceasefire in Lebanon part of the memorandum of understanding it inked last week with Iran. Both Israel and Lebanon were opposed to the idea, arguing that it undermines the purpose of the channel between their two countries that Washington established in April, specifically to prevent Iran from maintaining its influence over Hizbullah and Lebanon. Lebanon now feels that it must take a harder line in negotiations with Israel to counter the notion that Iran wields greater influence over affairs in Lebanese territory. Accordingly, the Lebanese government has presented maps for a proposed withdrawal that are much more expansive than what Israel is willing to accept at this stage.