Lebanon denied that ongoing border talks with Israel could lead to normalization of relations. Sources indicated that discussions are tied to UN Resolution 1701, not direct negotiations. Israeli officials expressed hopes for improved ties, while local leaders voiced concerns about security risks. The release of Lebanese detainees has been a contentious point, highlighting the complexities of these negotiations.
The Lebanese government’s official stance is that the ongoing discussions with Israel regarding a permanent border do not indicate any potential normalization of relations between the two nations. Sources within President Joseph Aoun’s administration conveyed to the Hezbollah-linked network Al-Mayadeen that the formation of three committees is primarily aimed at implementing UN Resolution 1701. These officials clarified that the committees will address various disputes stemming from past conflicts without engaging in direct negotiations with Israel.
Furthermore, earlier statements from an Israeli senior official suggested an interest in normalizing ties with Lebanon, citing changes in the regional dynamics. The official remarked, “The Prime Minister’s policies have already changed the Middle East, and we want to continue the momentum and achieve normalization with Lebanon.” The comments came on a day when representatives from Israel, the United States, France, and Lebanon convened in Naqoura to discuss border-related matters.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reported the agreement to establish working groups intended to stabilize the region and address five critical topics, such as disputed boundaries and Lebanese detainees in Israeli custody. Emphasizing the importance of future diplomatic engagements, the Israeli official noted, “This is a dramatic breakthrough. For the new president of Lebanon, this is something difficult to manage politically within Lebanon.”
Concerns were raised by local leaders, such as David Azoulay of the Metula Regional Council, who expressed skepticism regarding the negotiations. He cautioned against accepting any agreements that might endanger the security of northern residents, stating, “Do not agree to partial solutions that would set us back to the same dangers we experienced before.” Similarly, Moshe Davidovich of the Mateh Asher Regional Council insisted on Israel’s necessity to remain vigilant and not rely solely on international agreements for security.
Furthermore, reports indicated that the release of Lebanese detainees by Israel was not merely a gesture of goodwill, but rather a response to prior requests from President Aoun amidst ongoing efforts to maintain a ceasefire. Lebanese sources suggested that Israel’s delayed response to these requests has placed Lebanon in an embarrassing position, further complicating the dynamics of these discussions.
In conclusion, the Lebanese administration has firmly denied any assertions that the ongoing border talks with Israel may pave the way for normalization of relations. While discussions are framed within the context of UN Resolution 1701, significant skepticism persists among local leaders concerning the security implications of such negotiations. As Lebanon navigates these complex dynamics with Israel, the emphasis remains on managing territorial disputes and addressing the concerns of both nations’ security interests.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
