Naqoura: Civilian-led Israeli and Lebanese delegations participated in a meeting of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism in Naqoura in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, indicating a shift toward political and technical engagement in managing post-war arrangements.
According to Anadolu Agency, former Lebanese ambassador to Washington, Simon Karam, and senior director for foreign policy of Israel's National Security Council, Uri Resnick, joined the meeting chaired by US Special Envoy to Lebanon Morgan Ortagus as civilian participants. The US Embassy in Lebanon stated that their inclusion reflects the Mechanism's commitment to facilitating political and military discussions aimed at achieving security, stability, and a durable peace for all communities affected by the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office remarked that the meeting occurred 'in a good atmosphere,' agreeing to develop ideas for potential economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon, while emphasizing Hezbollah disarmament as obligatory, irrespective of economic cooperation progress. A follow-up discussion was planned as part of this initial attempt to establish a basis for a relationship and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Israeli Channel 12 described the announcement as 'unusual.' This meeting came shortly after Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported Tel Aviv's preparations for potential military escalation if Lebanon's security situation deteriorates, amid concerns over Hezbollah's growing capabilities.
Earlier, Lebanese presidential spokeswoman Najat Charafeddine confirmed that Washington had informed Beirut about Israel's agreement to include a non-military representative in its delegation. The committee overseeing these discussions includes Lebanon, Israel, France, the US, and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlighted the necessity of negotiations with Israel to resolve outstanding issues. In August, Lebanon's government moved to disarm Hezbollah under US and Israeli pressure, though the group rejected a plan to bring all weapons under state control, demanding an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that Israel has killed 335 people and wounded 973 others in 1,038 attacks since the ceasefire agreement was implemented in November 2024. The Israeli army was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon this January under the ceasefire, but instead only partially pulled out, maintaining a military presence at five border outposts.