Lebanon to join Israel-US talks in Florida and seek a southern security presence

Summary

Lebanon plans to send a military delegation to a US-backed meeting with Israel in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, President Joseph Aoun said. He said the delegation would press for an end to Israeli escalation and outcomes in line with a US-brokered framework, which he said Israel had not committed to. During a visit by France’s foreign minister, Aoun also called for extending UNIFIL’s mandate through 2027; Lebanon is seeking an international presence in the south as the peacekeeping force’s exit nears.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   17 Oct 2026, 19:48 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Aoun said Lebanon would send a military delegation to Tuesday’s US-backed talks with Israel in Tampa and seek an end to Israeli escalation, as well as an extension of UNIFIL’s mandate through 2027.

2. The Times of Israel

   18 Oct 2026, 05:40 UTCSource ↗

   The Times of Israel reports that Aoun and France’s foreign minister discussed a post-UNIFIL security arrangement during the minister’s Beirut visit, and that Lebanon said the next round of talks with Israel would be held Tuesday in Florida.