Israel and Lebanon Engage in Border Negotiations to Promote Stability
Israel has initiated talks with Lebanon to demarcate their border and withdraw from five southern outposts, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu. These discussions, stemming from a meeting in Naqoura, aim to establish joint working groups addressing crucial issues including the withdrawal and the release of detainees. A fragile ceasefire has been in effect since late November 2022.
Israel has commenced negotiations with Lebanon regarding the demarcation of their border and the withdrawal from five outposts in southern Lebanon, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement. This statement followed a quadrilateral meeting held in Naqoura, which included representatives from the Israeli military, the United States, France, and Lebanon.
The Naqoura talks resulted in an agreement to create three joint working groups, which will focus on stabilizing the region. These groups aim to address crucial issues such as the Israeli withdrawal from specific locations in southern Lebanon and the reassessment of the pre-war land border between the two nations.
Additionally, the negotiations will cover the situation regarding “the release of saboteurs detained since the war began and held in Israel.” Netanyahu’s office indicated that, in coordination with the US and as a gesture to the new Lebanese president, Israel has agreed to release five Lebanese detainees.
Subsequently, the International Committee of the Red Cross was reported to have received these detainees from Israel. They were captured by the Israeli military weeks prior and were subsequently transported to the Lebanese Italian Hospital in Tyre.
Currently, a fragile ceasefire remains effective in Lebanon since November 27th, which concluded extensive cross-border conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah that intensified into a full-scale war the previous September. Although the ceasefire initially stipulated that Israel would withdraw completely by January 26, this deadline was extended to February 18 due to Israel’s failure to comply. Israel continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.
Furthermore, Lebanese authorities have documented nearly 1,100 violations of the ceasefire by Israeli forces, resulting in at least 85 fatalities and over 280 injuries.
In conclusion, Israel’s ongoing negotiations with Lebanon signify a crucial step toward demarcating their border and addressing regional stability. The formation of joint working groups aims to facilitate Israeli withdrawals and the release of detainees, amidst the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire. As both nations navigate this complex situation, continued diplomatic efforts will be essential to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
