Israel has initiated negotiations with Lebanon to demarcate their border and withdraw from five outposts in southern Lebanon, following a four-way meeting in Naqoura. This led to the formation of three joint working groups and an agreement to release five Lebanese detainees. A ceasefire has been in effect since late November, with ongoing reports of ceasefire violations by Israel.
Israel is actively engaged in negotiations with Lebanon to resolve border demarcations and to withdraw from five military outposts located in southern Lebanon, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This development arises from a recent four-way meeting in Naqoura, where representatives from Israel, the United States, France, and Lebanon discussed the matter. The talks have led to the establishment of three joint working groups dedicated to stabilizing the region.
The joint groups will address several critical issues, such as the Israeli withdrawal from five specified locations in south Lebanon and the review of the original pre-war land border between Israel and Lebanon, according to an official statement. Additionally, the negotiations will focus on the situation concerning saboteurs detained in Israel since the commencement of hostilities.
In a collaborative gesture coordinated with the United States, Israel has consented to release five Lebanese detainees, following the recent war. The Red Cross has since taken custody of these individuals, who were detained by Israeli forces weeks earlier. Subsequently, these detainees were transported to a hospital in Tyre, southern Lebanon.
Since November 27, a tenuous ceasefire has been in effect, concluding extensive cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. While the ceasefire arrangement initially called for Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, this deadline was pushed back to February 18 due to non-compliance, with Israel maintaining military presence at five border outposts. Reports indicate that the Lebanese authorities have documented near 1,100 violations of the ceasefire by Israeli forces, resulting in at least 85 fatalities and over 280 injuries.
In conclusion, Israel’s negotiations with Lebanon mark a significant step toward potential border resolution and stability in the region. The formation of joint working groups aims to address issues such as territorial withdrawal and the release of detainees. The context of a fragile ceasefire underscores the ongoing complexities and challenges faced in achieving lasting peace between the two nations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
