Israel has commenced discussions with Lebanon to demarcate their border and is on the verge of withdrawing from five outposts. A four-way meeting facilitated the establishment of three joint working groups focused on stabilization efforts. Additionally, Israel has agreed to release five Lebanese detainees amid a fragile ceasefire, amidst ongoing border tensions and violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel is currently engaged in negotiations with Lebanon to delineate their border and withdraw from five specific outposts in southern Lebanon, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening. This announcement followed a four-party meeting held in Naqoura, which included representatives from the Israeli military, the United States, France, and Lebanon, as per the statement from Netanyahu’s office.
The talks in Naqoura have resulted in an agreement to establish three joint working groups aimed at stabilizing the region. These groups will tackle critical issues, which include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five designated points in southern Lebanon and a reconsideration of the pre-war land border between the two nations.
In addition, the negotiations will address the release of saboteurs detained since the onset of the war. As a conciliatory measure towards the newly elected Lebanese president, Israel has agreed to release five Lebanese detainees, coordinated with United States officials, according to the statement.
The Red Cross subsequently received the five Lebanese detainees from Israel, following their apprehension during the recent military conflict. These individuals were then transported to the Lebanese Italian Hospital located in Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon.
A fragile ceasefire has been established in Lebanon since November 27, concluding a prolonged period of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that intensified into a full-scale conflict last September. While the ceasefire agreement stipulated that Israel would fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26, this deadline was later extended to February 18 due to Israel’s non-compliance, as the country continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.
Lebanese officials have reported approximately 1,100 violations of the ceasefire by Israel, resulting in at least 85 fatalities and over 280 injuries among the civilian population.
The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon demonstrate a significant diplomatic effort to stabilize relations and delineate borders. The formation of joint working groups and the release of detainees indicate a potential thaw in tensions. However, the fragile ceasefire and reported violations highlight the complexities and challenges that remain in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
