Israel and Lebanon have begun border negotiations, establishing three joint working groups to address strategic points, territorial disputes, and detainee issues. In a goodwill gesture, five Lebanese detainees were transferred back to Lebanon alongside these discussions.
On Tuesday, Israel and Lebanon commenced negotiations aimed at resolving border issues between the two nations. This meeting in Naqoura, Southern Lebanon, involved representatives from the Israel Defense Forces, the United States, France, and Lebanon, and resulted in the formation of three joint working groups to enhance regional stability.
The working groups will address critical topics, including five strategic locations in Southern Lebanon that are still under Israeli control post-ceasefire, deliberations concerning the Blue Line, remaining territorial disputes, and the circumstances surrounding Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
In a significant step marking these negotiations, five Lebanese detainees were transferred from Israel to Lebanon, coordinated with the United States. This transfer serves as a goodwill gesture towards Lebanon’s newly elected president and was conducted via the Rosh Hanikra crossing with the assistance of a Red Cross convoy.
The initiation of border negotiations between Israel and Lebanon represents a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations. The establishment of joint working groups aims to tackle unresolved territorial disputes and the status of detainees, potentially leading to greater regional stability. The goodwill gesture of returning detainees further highlights the commitments made towards fostering constructive dialogue.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
