Lebanon, Israel hold direct talks after 40 years

Lebanon and Israel have held direct talks for the first time in four decades. Tensions between the two countries have been rising sharply in recent times, and the meeting of the US-led ceasefire monitoring committee has added a new dimension. Beirut says it is not peace talks, but an effort to reduce hostilities and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory. Al Jazeera reports.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Wednesday (December 3) that Beirut is ready to participate in talks beyond security issues. However, he made it clear that these are not peace talks and are “linked to the peace process”. Salam said the talks aim only to “cease hostilities, release Lebanese prisoners” and ensure the “complete withdrawal of Israeli troops” from Lebanese territory.
He also said that Lebanon is committed to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The initiative proposes a full normalization of the situation in exchange for Israel’s complete withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967. Lebanon does not want a separate peace agreement. Salam said the participation of civilian representatives in the meeting could help reduce tensions. The recent Israeli attacks have made it clear how complex the situation is becoming.
The committee met for about three hours in the Blue Line area on the border between Lebanon and Israel. A statement issued after the meeting said the inclusion of civilian representatives was “an important step in laying the foundation for a long-term civil and military dialogue”. The committee expressed hope that it would create an “environment of peace” in the border area.
For months, the United States has been calling on both sides to expand the scope of the committee’s work beyond monitoring the 2024 ceasefire. The latest meeting came amid fears of renewed major tensions following Israeli attacks on Beirut last month.
Meanwhile, Israeli government spokesman Shosh Bedrosian described the meeting with Lebanon as a “historic event” in an online briefing with reporters yesterday. “This direct meeting between Israel and Lebanon is the result of the efforts of the prime minister. A special opportunity has now been created to establish peace with our neighbors,” he said.