Israel, Lebanon To Hold Talks on Border Disputes
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to open negotiations on border disputes and the presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, marking a significant diplomatic step following the recent conflict, media sources reported on Tuesday. The decision was reportedly reached during a four-way meeting in Naqoura, Lebanon, involving representatives from Israel, Lebanon, the US, and France.
The talks will focus on three key issues: Israel’s continued presence in five locations within Lebanon, disputes along the UN-demarcated Blue Line, and the status of Lebanese detainees held by Israel. The negotiations will be led by US, Israeli, and Lebanese diplomats, with working groups expected to convene in the coming weeks.
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To build goodwill, Israel has reportedly released five Lebanese prisoners, including a Hezbollah member, in coordination with the US. Axios cited an official from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office who described the prisoner release as “a gesture of goodwill for the new Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.”
Border tensions between the two countries have persisted for decades, particularly around 13 disputed points along the Blue Line, the border drawn by the UN in 2000 after Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Only three months ago, Israel and Lebanon achieved a ceasefire following months of intense cross-border strikes and an eventual Israeli invasion. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the Biden administration, included a commitment to work toward border negotiations.
US officials emphasized that these talks aim to reinforce regional stability. “Everyone involved remains committed to maintaining the ceasefire agreement and fully implementing its terms,” Axios quoted a White House official as saying.
