Hope for stronger, extended truce grows as Lebanon and Israel engage in talks

For the first time in decades, Israel and Lebanon are set to engage in direct diplomatic discussions, sending civilian envoys to a committee overseeing their fragile 2024 truce. Lebanon, which has never recognized Israel, announced on Wednesday that its delegation will, for the first time, be headed by a civilian representative. Israel confirmed it will also send a diplomatic official as part of its team.

Specific details about the timing and location of the military committee meeting monitoring the 2024 truce have not been disclosed. Still, observers view the step as a potential expansion of dialogue between the historically adversarial nations.

The Lebanese move comes after persistent U.S. encouragement and follows notification that Israel agreed to include a non-military member in its delegation, according to a statement from President Joseph Aouns office. Lebanon will send Simon Karam, a former ambassador to the U.S., to participate in the talks. Israel has assigned Uri Resnick from the National Security Council as its representative, appointed by acting National Security Council director Gil Reich. The meeting is expected to take place near the UN-demarcated Blue Line, which marks the countries de facto border.

This initial dialogue aims to establish a foundation for bilateral relations and potential economic collaboration between Israel and Lebanon, stated the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr in Beirut noted that the meeting represents a major step for Lebanon, which has been under U.S. pressure to hold direct talks with Israel. The issue is highly sensitive and controversial within Lebanon, where many consider Israel an adversary, she said. Sending a civilian marks a notable concession by the Lebanese government. President Aoun has recently expressed willingness to pursue negotiations aimed at strengthening the 2024 truce.

Despite the truce, Israel has carried out repeated airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in over 300 fatalities, including at least 127 civilians, according to U.N. reports. Israel states that its operations target Hezbollah members and infrastructure to prevent the group from rebuilding its military capacity. Meanwhile, the U.S. urges Lebanon to fulfill its pledge to disarm Hezbollah by year-end, a demand rejected by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, who insists that Lebanese sovereignty requires an end to Israeli aggression.

Author: Lucas Grant