Israel Initiates Border Talks with Lebanon and Agrees to Release…

Israel has agreed to talks aimed at demarcating its border with Lebanon and will release five Lebanese prisoners as a gesture to the Lebanese president. The discussions will involve working groups from Israel, Lebanon, the US, and France. The announcement follows a ceasefire that ended significant conflict with Hezbollah in the region.

On Tuesday, Israel announced its agreement to engage in discussions regarding the demarcation of its border with Lebanon and revealed plans to release five Lebanese detainees as a conciliatory gesture towards the Lebanese president. This decision was communicated through a statement from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel has reached an understanding with Lebanon, the United States, and France to create working groups that will facilitate negotiations on the disputed border line. Despite Israel’s significant withdrawal from southern Lebanon following a ceasefire deal in November, the Israeli military maintains control over five strategic hilltop positions in the region, frequently conducting airstrikes due to alleged Hezbollah activities.

The ceasefire agreement concluded over a year of conflict between Israel’s military and the Iran-supported group Hezbollah, which intensified during the Gaza war. The confrontation culminated in a substantial Israeli air and ground offensive in southern Lebanon, resulting in significant losses for Hezbollah, including the deaths of many of its military leaders during Israeli attacks.

In summary, Israel’s willingness to negotiate its border with Lebanon, coupled with its commitment to releasing five Lebanese detainees, marks a significant diplomatic step. This development follows a period of heightened conflict with Hezbollah, reflecting a complex interplay of regional and international relations, particularly involving the United States and France.

Original Source: www.algemeiner.com