Israel has released four Lebanese captives and agreed to initiate border talks with Lebanon involving the U.S. and France. This decision follows a ceasefire agreement after a year of conflict with Hezbollah, although Israel continues to maintain positions in southern Lebanon contrary to the terms set by the ceasefire. Working groups have been established to address border disputes and the ongoing military presence.
On Tuesday, Israel released four Lebanese captives, who have arrived safely at a hospital in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre. This release is part of a broader agreement whereby Israel has consented to engage in discussions regarding the demarcation of its border with Lebanon. The office of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed receipt of the hostages and indicated that a fifth hostage is expected to be released soon.
The negotiation for border discussions emerged after Israel described the release of the captives as a “gesture to the Lebanese president.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel, in collaboration with Lebanon, the United States, and France, has decided to form working groups to address the issues concerning the demarcation line between the two nations.
U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, expressed in an interview that the objective is to achieve a political resolution to the ongoing border disputes. She noted that the U.S. and France are assisting in the establishment of working groups to maintain momentum in the discussion process.
These working groups aim to resolve border disputes and the ongoing Israeli occupation of five strategically significant locations in southern Lebanon. The current ceasefire agreement followed over a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, coinciding with Israel’s military actions against Gaza, demanding Hezbollah’s withdrawal and dismantling of military infrastructure in the area.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has yet to complete its planned withdrawal, maintaining positions at five locations in southern Lebanon and missing previously set deadlines. Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut highlighted the ongoing conflict, noting, “the major outstanding point … is that the Israeli army is still in five different locations across southern Lebanon.” He mentioned these areas should have been evacuated following the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the persistent complications in the region.
In conclusion, Israel’s release of four Lebanese captives signals a diplomatic effort to engage in border negotiations with Lebanon. The establishment of working groups involving the United States and France aims to facilitate discussions on various issues, including the ongoing Israeli occupation of key locations in southern Lebanon. Despite the progress achieved thus far, significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing the troop presence in disputed areas.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
