Israel has agreed to border demarcation talks with Lebanon and will release five Lebanese detainees as a gesture. The talks involve the US and France to determine the border line after years of conflict, primarily due to tensions with Hezbollah. Israel’s military continues its operations in southern Lebanon, contributing to ongoing regional volatility.
On Tuesday, Israel announced that it has agreed to initiate discussions aimed at demarcating its border with Lebanon. Additionally, Israel will release five Lebanese detainees held by its military, which it has described as a “gesture to the Lebanese president.” The information was disclosed in a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
The discussions involve Israel, Lebanon, the United States, and France, who will form working groups focused on establishing the demarcation line between the two nations. Despite Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon following a ceasefire agreement in November, Israel maintains five strategic hilltop positions in the region.
Israeli military actions, including airstrikes, have continued in southern Lebanon, justified by what it labels as Hezbollah activities. This ceasefire concluded more than a year of aggressive conflict with Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, and coincided with events in the ongoing Gaza war. The fighting reached its peak during an extensive Israeli air and ground offensive that resulted in significant damage to Hezbollah, including the death of most of its military leadership due to Israeli strikes.
In summary, Israel’s agreement to engage in border discussions with Lebanon and its decision to release five Lebanese detainees signifies a possible shift towards improved relations. The ongoing military presence in southern Lebanon remains a point of tension, as does the past year of conflict with Hezbollah. The involvement of international parties like the United States and France in these negotiations is noteworthy and may influence regional stability.
Original Source: www.algemeiner.com
