Lebanon and Israel Advance US-Sponsored Talks on Border Disputes

Lebanon and Israel engage in US-sponsored indirect talks to resolve border disputes. The formation of committees is a continuation of Resolution 1701, focusing on historical issues such as occupied territories and the status of prisoners without any push for normalization. Continued Israeli military actions and Lebanon’s resistance remain challenges to peace.

The recent US-backed initiative seeks to establish committees to address the unresolved border dispute between Lebanon and Israel. As conveyed by sources to Al Mayadeen, the formation of these committees is meant to continue the enforcement of Resolution 1701 and does not imply any direct negotiations or normalization between the two countries. The committees are primarily focused on border issues and other disputes originating from the 2006 conflict.

Specific matters to be discussed include five areas currently occupied by Israel and the status of prisoners. Following the establishment of this agreement, five Lebanese prisoners were released by Israel as a gesture towards President Joseph Aoun, emphasizing the collaborative nature of these discussions, which involve not only the US but also France.

Despite an Israeli official’s assertion on the goal of normalization through these committees, sources maintain that the primary objective remains addressing outstanding issues without direct negotiations. Meanwhile, US envoy Morgan Ortagus reiterated that the discussions will aim to diplomatically resolve issues, including the release of prisoners and disputed territories along the Blue Line where tensions persist.

Significant disputed locations include Ras al-Naqoura, Marwahin, and others, where Israel was expected to withdraw after the 2006 war yet has maintained a military presence. Israel’s actions in southern Lebanon have repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement, citing the need to prevent Hezbollah from rearming, despite the lack of provisions in the agreement allowing for such military actions.

Israel continues to assert that Hezbollah’s presence in the region contravenes the ceasefire, resulting in ongoing tensions, including military incursions into Lebanon, impacting regional stability. An agreement for cooperation among Lebanon, the US, and France, focusing on resolving border disputes, signifies a cautious step toward ameliorating long-standing hostilities in the region.

The article highlights the ongoing US-sponsored negotiations aimed at resolving the border dispute between Lebanon and Israel, emphasizing that this initiative aims to address historical issues without hinting at normalization. The release of prisoners and the establishment of committees mark pivotal moments in this diplomatic effort, yet tensions persist in the form of territory disputes and military actions, challenging the sustainability of peace in the region.

Original Source: thecradle.co