Israel and Lebanon Agree to Start Border Talks Amid Disputed Issues

Israel and Lebanon are set to begin border negotiations nearly four months after a ceasefire, with discussions involving the U.S. and France. Israel has released five Lebanese prisoners as a gesture to Lebanon’s new President. However, the extent of the talks is uncertain, with differing views on normalization of ties complicating progress.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to initiate discussions regarding their disputed border, following a ceasefire that concluded the latest conflict between them. The Netanyahu and Trump administrations announced that working groups will include representatives from Israel, Lebanon, France, and the United States to engage in negotiations about border delineation, presence of Israeli military forces in southern Lebanon, and the fate of Lebanese detainees held in Israel.

In a significant gesture towards the new Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Israel has recently released five Lebanese prisoners captured during last year’s conflict. Israel maintains control over five locations in southern Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah against northern Israel. Conversely, Hezbollah has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire established in November, claiming Israeli troops have not withdrawn and alleging continued military operations.

The specifics of the upcoming negotiations are not fully defined. According to a senior Israeli official, the primary objective is to pursue normalization of relations with Lebanon. However, a U.S. official characterizes the goal of mutual recognition and normalization as “overblown,” suggesting it may hinder achieving a defined border agreement. Notably, the Lebanese government has denied assertions that the discussions could result in a permanent normalization between the two nations.

The initiation of border talks between Israel and Lebanon marks a potential turning point for both nations. Despite mutual posturing, the actual progress may be impeded by divergent interpretations of objectives, particularly concerning normalization. Continued discussions about territorial disputes, military presence, and detainee issues are crucial to improving bilateral relations in the future.

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