Lebanon Rejects Claims of Border Talks Leading to Normalization with Israel
Lebanon has denied that discussions with Israel regarding a permanent border may lead to normalization, asserting their connection to UN Resolution 1701. While Israel expresses a desire to normalize relations, local leaders in Lebanon raise concerns about security implications and the ongoing presence of terrorist organizations in the region.
Recent developments indicate that Lebanon has refuted Israeli assertions suggesting that ongoing discussions regarding a permanent border could lead to normalization of relations between Lebanon and Israel. Sources from the office of President Joseph Aoun communicated via the Hezbollah-aligned network Al-Mayadeen, emphasizing that the formation of three committees aimed at resolving contentious issues is intrinsically connected to the enforcement of UN Resolution 1701. They clarified that these committees do not entail direct negotiations between the two nations.
The Lebanese presidential sources asserted that any suggestion of normalization through the establishment of these committees is unfounded. They elaborated that the focus will be on addressing existing challenges, among which are border disputes, unresolved issues from the 2006 conflict, the five locations occupied by Israel, and matters concerning Lebanese detainees.
Conversely, an Israeli senior official declared that Israel aspires to normalize its relations with Lebanon, citing recent shifts in Lebanon’s political landscape. The official stated, “The Prime Minister’s policies have already changed the Middle East, and we want to continue the momentum and achieve normalization with Lebanon. Just as Lebanon has territorial claims regarding the borders, we also have claims and will discuss these matters.”
On a separate note, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office revealed that representatives from Israel, Lebanon, the United States, and France convened in Naqoura. This meeting resulted in an agreement to establish three joint working groups aimed at enhancing regional stability, focusing on critical issues including the contested points along the border and the matter of Lebanese detainees held in Israel.
The Israeli official further noted that transitioning discussions to include diplomatic representatives from Israel represents “a dramatic breakthrough” amidst internal challenges faced by Lebanon’s new president. The official highlighted that this diplomatic engagement is designed to bolster the president against opposition from Hezbollah and Amal, which could ultimately facilitate normalization between the two countries.
However, concerns about the implications of these discussions surfaced from local leaders. David Azoulay, head of the Metula Regional Council, expressed reservations about potential agreements, warning that residents in northern Israel would not tolerate agreements perceived as detrimental to their security. He urged the Israeli government to avoid accommodating terrorist organizations in Lebanon.
Similarly, Moshe Davidovich from the Mateh Asher Regional Council echoed these sentiments, stressing the imperative for Israel to maintain a security buffer zone along its borders. He warned that while agreements may enhance the perception of security, they cannot replace the essential presence of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in safeguarding residents.
Additionally, sources to the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Akhbar newspaper indicated that the release of Lebanese detainees should not be viewed as a goodwill gesture from Israel, asserting that discussions had already been in motion prior to these developments. They noted that Aoun had sought American intervention to secure the detainees’ release following an agreement to extend the ceasefire, indicating potential embarrassment for Lebanon due to a lack of American pressures on Israel.
In summary, Lebanon firmly denies that ongoing border discussions with Israel are precursors to normalization, reiterating their connection to UN Resolution 1701. The establishment of committed working groups will address various pressing issues, yet skepticism remains regarding Israel’s intentions, particularly regarding security measures for northern residents. Local leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong security posture and warn against unrealistic compromises that could jeopardize safety.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
