BEIRUT, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The bilateral negotiations between Lebanon and Israel will be conducted by a Lebanese delegation headed by former Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Simon Karam, the Lebanese presidency said Monday.

In a post on social media platform X, the presidency said the goals of the negotiations are to halt hostilities, end the Israeli occupation of southern areas, and deploy the army to the internationally-recognized southern border.

"No one else will participate on Lebanon's behalf or take its place in this mission," it said.