Israel and Lebanon have agreed to negotiations to define their land border, establishing three working groups to address occupied territories and detainees. Israel will release five Lebanese prisoners as a goodwill gesture to the new Lebanese president, while military actions against Hezbollah continue, even after recent diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing relations.
Israel and Lebanon have announced their intentions to commence negotiations aimed at defining their land border following a recent meeting involving the United States and France at a United Nations peacekeeping force headquarters in Naqoura, Lebanon. As part of this negotiation process, three joint working groups will be established, with their operations slated to begin next month. These teams will specifically address issues regarding the five points in Lebanon currently occupied by Israel, the Blue Line demarcating the existing border, disputed areas, and Lebanese citizens detained by Israel.
Furthermore, Israel has agreed to release five Lebanese detainees as a goodwill gesture towards the newly inaugurated Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun. This release, coordinated with the United States, aims to facilitate diplomatic progress. Concurrently, Lebanon has reported the receipt of four Lebanese nationals previously held by Israel, with a fifth being transferred soon. Notably, some reports indicate that a released individual is connected to Hezbollah, while a total of 11 Lebanese nationals remain in Israeli custody.
Prior negotiations during Yair Lapid’s prime ministership culminated in an agreement concerning a maritime boundary, yet an official land border remains unestablished. The truce initiated last November has seen a cessation of hostilities that previously flared between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly following increased tensions after October 8, 2023. This escalation included Hezbollah’s attacks in favor of Hamas amid conflicts stemming from Gaza.
Despite this recent diplomatic engagement, Israel maintains its operations against Hezbollah elements in southern Lebanon, adhering to its demands for a ceasefire. A recent Israeli drone strike resulted in the death of a Hezbollah commander, Hassan Abbas Izzedine, identified by the IDF as a key figure in their aerial defense strategies. Moreover, the Israeli Air Force has executed additional strikes aimed at Hezbollah operatives and their weaponry storage sites, citing ongoing security threats to Israel.
In summary, Israel and Lebanon are set to begin negotiations to define their land border, establishing joint working groups to address various issues, including occupied territories and detainees. Despite the diplomatic engagement, tensions persist, as demonstrated by ongoing Israeli military actions against Hezbollah. Continued efforts to stabilize the situation in the region remain critical, especially in light of past hostilities and current security challenges.
Original Source: vinnews.com
