Representatives of Lebanon and Israel are meeting once again in the United States as part of efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.
The fifth round of negotiations opened in Washington on Tuesday, the Lebanese news agency NNA reported. The US, acting as mediator, is seeking a comprehensive agreement to end Israel's war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.
Hezbollah is not participating in the talks and rejects the peace effort.
"The next few days will hopefully be crucial in achieving a good outcome for Lebanon and its people," President Joseph Aoun said at the start of the latest round of negotiations.
Lebanon must achieve "sovereignty over every inch of its land" and "state authority over every person on our soil," Aoun said.
The president was referring both to the Israeli military, which still has ground forces deployed in large parts of southern Lebanon, and to Hezbollah, which continues to wield significant influence outside the authority of the Lebanese state.
The Lebanese government would accept "nothing less than an end to the Israeli occupation and the simultaneous end of external tutelage," Aoun declared.
Attacks continue despite ceasefire
A ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hezbollah was announced in April and has since been extended several times, although both sides have repeatedly violated it.
The recent framework agreement reached between the United States and Iran - Hezbollah's principal backer - also provides for an end to the fighting in Lebanon.
A new mechanism is being established to help defuse tensions more quickly when attacks occur. Officials hope the communication channel will prevent isolated incidents from escalating into broader confrontations.
Lebanon and Israel do not maintain diplomatic relations and have never signed a peace treaty.
Since April, Israeli and Lebanese government representatives have been holding direct political-level talks in Washington for the first time since 1983.
