New Developments in Israel-Lebanon Relations Following Quadrilateral Meeting
The quadrilateral meeting in Naqoura marks a transformation in Israel-Lebanon relations following Lebanon’s political changes. Three working groups will address key issues like IDF withdrawal and prisoner release. Israel’s concessions could support Lebanon against Hezbollah, but caution is needed concerning the Lebanese army’s limitations. Comprehensive agreements demanding disarmament and better relations are essential for lasting peace.
Recent agreements reached at a quadrilateral meeting in Naqoura, involving representatives from Lebanon, Israel, the United States, and France, signify a promising change in Israeli-Lebanese relations. This development coincides with political shifts in Lebanon following the appointment of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government.
The meeting resulted in the establishment of three joint working groups to address important issues: the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from border points they control, the release of Lebanese prisoners held by the IDF, and the negotiation of disputed areas concerning permanent border demarcation, specifically the Blue Line set in 2000.
As a gesture of goodwill toward President Aoun, Israel agreed to release five of the eleven Lebanese detainees in its custody. The discussions will touch on matters that Hezbollah views as crucial to its existence, leveraging arguments for its role in protecting Lebanon against Israeli threats.
Post-ceasefire, Hezbollah has concentrated on reinforcing its military capabilities while permitting the Lebanese state to pursue these discussions. Nonetheless, the organization has warned that it may resume military activities if the Lebanese government’s efforts falter. Both Israel and Lebanon’s new leadership recognize shared interests in sustaining the ceasefire and curtailing Hezbollah’s influence.
For Lebanon, securing Israeli concessions can aid its leadership’s internal battles against Hezbollah. However, Israel must remain cautious, considering the limitations of the Lebanese state, which has currently avoided direct confrontations with Hezbollah, and the Lebanese army’s restricted capacity to mitigate Hezbollah’s military presence.
In this complex landscape, Israel should prioritize discussions within the working groups around territorial issues. This necessitates the differentiation between the immediate withdrawal of IDF positions established during the war and the intricate task of permanently delineating the land border.
To ensure security, Israel must condition its military withdrawal from the five strategic positions on the Lebanese army’s complete deployment across the region and its capability to eliminate any remaining military presence. Additionally, Israel must push for a comprehensive agreement addressing permanent border demarcation, which should incorporate a demand for Hezbollah’s complete disarmament and alterations in Israel-Lebanon relations.
In summary, the recent quadrilateral meeting in Naqoura represents a significant shift in Israel-Lebanon relations amidst new political leadership in Lebanon. The establishment of joint working groups seeks to address essential issues such as military withdrawals and border demarcation. Both parties have vested interests in curbing Hezbollah’s influence, though Israel must proceed cautiously, setting conditions that enhance regional security while fostering long-term stability through comprehensive agreements.
Original Source: aurora-israel.co.il
