Israel, Lebanon Send Civilian Envoys to Truce Committee for First Direct Talks in Decades
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Israel and Lebanon have sent civilian envoys to participate for the first time in a military committee overseeing their 2024 ceasefire, marking an expansion of dialogue between the two nations. The meeting, chaired by the United States, aimed to broaden discussions beyond ceasefire monitoring, including ideas for economic cooperation. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed hope that civilian involvement would help ease tensions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the meeting atmosphere as positive. Lebanon indicated openness to having U.S. and French troops involved in verifying ceasefire compliance, with Israel insisting on Hezbollah’s disarmament despite ongoing concerns over ceasefire violations and potential renewed hostilities.
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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 12-03-2025 15:33