Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon have stalled following significant political changes in Jerusalem, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. The publication reports that Beirut is withholding plans to resume talks until Israel’s next government is fully formed. This pause follows the last round of discussions in Tampa, Florida, which concluded without setting a date for future meetings. Disputes remain over the implementation of a trilateral framework agreement, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
The uncertainty stems from President Isaac Herzog’s decision on November 8 to task Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, with forming a government. Eisenkot secured recommendations from 67 Knesset members, surpassing Benjamin Netanyahu’s 46 endorsements. However, Eisenkot faces internal divisions regarding coalition makeup, particularly concerning the participation of Arab parties and arrangements with religious groups. He has 28 days, potentially extendable by 14, to succeed. Until a transfer of authority occurs, "Netanyahu and his cabinet retain their powers until a transfer of authority," Asharq Al-Awsat reported, citing a document excerpt.
A Lebanese ministerial source told the publication that while contacts with Washington continue, there has been no official answer regarding the resumption of talks. The source noted that the Americans initiated the Tampa negotiations. The source highlighted that elections in both Israel and the United States could divert attention from the diplomatic process. If Eisenkot fails to form a coalition, Lebanon might find itself negotiating with Netanyahu’s caretaker government, adding further political complexity. The source stated that all sides recognize the potential for these elections to shift political priorities away from the peace process.
Political assessments suggest that a change in leadership is unlikely to soften Israel’s position. Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Eisenkot may take an even tougher line than Netanyahu, driven by security considerations and domestic pressures. Former Lebanese lawmaker Fares Souaid offered a contrasting view, telling the publication that Israel’s strategic course would not change. Souaid argued that the regional "earthquake" has shifted Israel from a posture of waiting to seeking long-term security guarantees from neighbors. He dismissed the idea that Eisenkot would be more accommodating, stating that his military background could make him "no less hard-line than Netanyahu."