Israel has started border negotiations with Lebanon, facilitated by U.S. mediation. As a goodwill gesture, Israel will release five Lebanese detainees. The talks will also cover southern Lebanon and the status of Lebanese nationals in Israeli custody, aiming for regional stabilization.
The Prime Minister’s Office of Israel officially announced the commencement of border negotiations with Lebanon on Tuesday. As a gesture of goodwill, Israel has decided to release five Lebanese nationals currently detained within its borders. This development is facilitated by mediation efforts from the Trump administration, which has been actively engaging in discussions for several weeks.
A quadrilateral meeting took place in Naqoura, Lebanon, involving representatives from Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the United States, France, and Lebanon, as revealed by the Prime Minister’s Office. This dialogue will extend beyond border negotiations to include discussions about southern Lebanon and the status of Lebanese nationals in Israeli custody.
The agreement established three joint working groups that aim to stabilize the region by addressing key issues. These include the five areas in southern Lebanon under Israeli control, negotiations concerning the Blue Line, and the matter of Lebanese detainees held by Israel. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the release of the five detainees is coordinated with the United States and is intended as a gesture to support the newly elected Lebanese president.
Further information regarding the identities of the five Lebanese nationals remains undisclosed, including whether they have ties to the Hezbollah organization, which is backed by Iran. The Israel Defense Forces continue to maintain a significant presence in southern Lebanon to ensure the safety of residents in northern Israel, near the border.
In summary, Israel and Lebanon have initiated border negotiations, reflecting new diplomatic openings in the region. Israel’s decision to release five Lebanese detainees signifies a commitment to goodwill amidst these discussions. With the involvement of international mediators, the talks aim to address not only border issues but also the situation of detained individuals and regional stability.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
