WASHINGTON: Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter has described the fifth round of US-brokered ceasefire negotiations on Lebanon as a “train wreck”, expressing deep frustration with the direction of the talks.
In a statement, Leiter said the latest round of negotiations had failed to address the core issue facing the region. “This is the fifth round of talks, and I must say – we are in a train wreck,” he said.
The ambassador argued that the current focus on “deconfliction” was misguided, insisting that Hezbollah remains the central challenge. According to Leiter, any lasting solution must involve defeating and removing Hezbollah from the equation.
He warned that the ongoing discussions risk strengthening the Iran-backed group rather than weakening it. “There is a danger that Hezbollah has received a boost. It certainly feels stronger and bolder,” he said.
Leiter further maintained that dismantling Hezbollah should remain the foundation of any ceasefire agreement. He also raised concerns about whether funds that could become available to Iran might ultimately be used to support Hezbollah.