Israel and Lebanon Initiate Border Negotiations and Release of Detainees

Israel has begun negotiations with Lebanon about border demarcation, facilitated by U.S. mediation. As part of the talks, Israel will release five Lebanese detainees. Joint working groups will be established to address territorial disputes and the situation of detainees, aiming to stabilize the region.

In a significant development, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Israel has commenced negotiations with Lebanon concerning the demarcation of their border. This initiative includes a goodwill gesture from Israel, which has agreed to release five Lebanese nationals currently detained within its territory.

According to a United States official speaking with Axios, the Trump administration has been mediating discussions between Israel and Lebanon for several weeks. The statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that a quadrilateral meeting took place in Naqoura, Lebanon, involving representatives from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the United States, France, and Lebanon.

In addition to border discussions, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to negotiate matters pertaining to southern Lebanon and the welfare of Lebanese nationals detained by Israel. The meeting resulted in an agreement to form three joint working groups tasked with stabilizing the region and addressing several key issues.

These key issues include revisiting the five points of Israeli control in southern Lebanon, identifying areas of dispute along the Blue Line, and addressing the situation of Lebanese detainees in Israeli custody. In a move coordinated with the United States and reflecting a gesture towards the new Lebanese president, Israel confirmed its plans to release five Lebanese detainees.

The identities of the five Lebanese nationals set for release remain undisclosed, and it is unclear whether any are affiliated with the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which is supported by Iran. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces continue to maintain their presence in five critical areas of southern Lebanon to ensure the safety of residents in northern Israel, close to the border.

The initiation of border negotiations between Israel and Lebanon marks a noteworthy diplomatic shift, fostered by U.S. mediation. The release of detainees and the formation of joint working groups signal a commitment to stabilize the region. These discussions encompass crucial issues such as territorial disputes and the status of Lebanese nationals in Israeli custody, representing steps towards fostering better bilateral relations and ensuring security in the region.

Original Source: www.jewishpress.com