Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, warned Tuesday that ongoing negotiations between Israel, Lebanon, and the United States could go off track unless all sides remain focused on dismantling Hezbollah and removing Iranian influence from Lebanon.

Speaking at the opening of the fifth round of talks, Leiter said the parties initially shared a vision of achieving full peace between Israel and Lebanon through Hezbollah’s disarmament and the elimination of Tehran’s influence.

“Four rounds ago, we all got on the same train,” Leiter said. “Today, this train is in danger of derailing. I hope we can get it back on track.”

Leiter stressed that Iran should have no role in Lebanon’s future and argued that true Lebanese sovereignty cannot exist while Tehran maintains influence through Hezbollah.

He also criticized what he described as a growing emphasis on “deconfliction” rather than confronting Hezbollah directly.

“Israel is not in conflict with Lebanon,” Leiter said. “The only issue is Hezbollah. Hezbollah must be defeated and removed from the equation.”

The ambassador questioned whether previous understandings, including Hezbollah’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the ceasefire agreement, are still being upheld. He also voiced concern that any future financial arrangements involving Iran could ultimately benefit Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun convened senior military officials and advisers following the latest round of talks, describing negotiations as the only path toward restoring Lebanon’s rights and sovereignty.

Aoun expressed hope that the current negotiations would prove decisive and reiterated Lebanon’s demand for an end to Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon while asserting that only the Lebanese state should exercise authority throughout the country.

Lebanon’s presidency also said Aoun held phone conversations with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to the Lebanese readout, the discussions focused on extending Lebanese state authority nationwide and implementing understandings reached during recent meetings in Switzerland, including a proposed coordination mechanism involving the United States, Lebanon, and Iran aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire.

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