Israel, Lebanon Send Civilian Envoys to Truce Committee for First Direct Talks in Decades

Category: Israel, Jerusalem & the Temple

Summary:
Israel and Lebanon have sent civilian envoys to a military committee that monitors the 2024 ceasefire between the two countries, marking the first expansion of talks between the longtime adversaries. The meeting, chaired by the United States and held along the Blue Line border, aimed to broaden dialogue in line with US efforts to promote peace agreements in the Middle East. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed hope that civilian involvement would help reduce tensions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted positive discussions and agreed to explore economic cooperation ideas. Lebanon also indicated openness to having US and French troops assist in verifying Hezbollah’s activities, amid ongoing concerns over violations and the group's rearmament.

Tags: Israel, Lebanon, civilian envoys, ceasefire, Blue Line border, Hezbollah, US and French troops

Source Excerpt:

An Israeli citizen looks out from a viewpoint towards Lebanon, near the Israel-Lebanon border, as seen from northern Israel, Nov. 24, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Shir Torem Israel and Lebanon sent civilian envoys to a military committee monitoring their ceasefire, top officials from both said on Wednesday, in a move set to expand the scope of talks between the long-time foes for the first time. The meeting was a step toward a months-old US demand that the two countries broaden talks beyond monitoring the 2024 ceasefire, in line with US President Donald Trump’s agenda of peace agreements across the Middle East. It came even as fears of a renewed flare-up between Israel and powerful Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah persist. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told journalists he hoped civilian participation in the meetings would help “defuse tensions,” saying further Israeli strikes in recent weeks had been a clear escalatory signal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the atmosphere at the meeting was good and that the sides agreed to put forth ideas for economic cooperation. LEBANON OPEN TO US, FRENCH TROOPS Lebanon and Israel have been officially enemy states for over 70 yea...

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Source: Algemeiner

Posted on 12-04-2025 01:03