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Cairo, 11 March – Israel has declared its readiness to start talks with Lebanon on border demarcation. Official Jerusalem also announced that it would release five Lebanese detainees held by the Israeli military. The Israeli authorities called this decision a “gesture towards the Lebanese president”.
This was reported by Reuters with reference to a statement by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Working groups and diplomatic mediation
In accordance with the agreements between Israel, Lebanon, the United States and France, working groups will be set up to discuss the demarcation line between the two countries.
Although Israel has generally withdrawn from southern Lebanon under a November ceasefire agreement, its army still controls five strategic hilltop positions in the area. The Israeli military also continues to carry out airstrikes against Hezbollah, which Jerusalem considers the main threat on the northern border.
A year of war and strategic changes
The ceasefire ended more than a year of conflict between the Israeli army and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, which had been going on in parallel with the war in Gaza.
The fighting peaked during a large-scale Israeli air and ground operation that forced more than a million Lebanese to flee their homes.
According to intelligence reports, Hezbollah suffered serious losses as a result of Israeli strikes, and a significant part of its military leadership was killed.
What’s next?
Negotiations on border demarcation are an important step to prevent escalation between Lebanon and Israel, especially given the growing tensions in the region.
However, it remains to be seen whether the parties will be able to reach real agreements, given Iran’s influence on Hezbollah and political instability in Lebanon.
