Lebanon seeking US guarantees to ensure Israel respects its sovereignty: Sources

Ceasefire talks between Hezbollah and Israel mediated by US envoy Amos Hochstein were “positive” in Beirut ahead of his crucial meetings in Israel, but Lebanese concerns now centre on whether the US can ensure Israel respects their sovereignty, sources told The National. Mr Hochstein is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to finalise an agreement that could see Israeli troops withdraw from southern Lebanon within days, with the main sticking point being the interpretation of a clause on “self-defence”.