Lebanon denies claims that border discussions with Israel could lead to normalization. Sources state discussions align with UN Resolution 1701 and focus on resolving border disputes and detainee issues. Israeli officials express aspirations for normalization, but local leaders caution against compromising security. The release of Lebanese detainees is framed as a gesture towards Lebanon’s new president amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah.
On Wednesday, sources close to the president of Lebanon refuted Israeli assertions that discussions surrounding a permanent border with Israel might lead to normalization. According to these sources, reported by the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen, the establishment of three committees to address contentious border issues falls under the framework of UN Resolution 1701. They affirmed that there are no direct negotiations occurring between Lebanon and Israel and that the claims of impending normalization are unfounded.
The Lebanese sources clarified that these committees are focused on addressing existing challenges, which include border disputes stemming from conflicts in 2006, areas seized by Israel, and the situation of detained individuals. Earlier in the day, an Israeli official stated that Israel was pursuing normalization with Lebanon, asserting that the Prime Minister’s policies aimed at transforming Middle Eastern relations could facilitate this process.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) disclosed that representatives from Israel, the United States, France, and Lebanon convened in Naqoura to discuss border issues. In a gesture towards Lebanon’s new president, Israel announced the release of five Lebanese detainees, which has been seen as a means to bolster the president’s position domestically against opposition groups such as Hezbollah.
The discussions led to the formation of three joint working groups intended to stabilize the region, focusing on specific disputed points and the status of Lebanese detainees. The official emphasized that transitioning the talks into a diplomatic framework marks a critical step towards possible recognition of Israel by Lebanon, but acknowledged the complexity of this endeavor given the ongoing tensions with Hezbollah.
Local leaders, including David Azoulay from the Metula Regional Council, expressed concerns regarding the talks and the potential repercussions of any agreements, warning against agreements that may compromise the security of residents in northern Israel. Azoulay articulated that any negotiations must ensure the dismantling of terrorist organizations in Lebanon to avoid repeating past security failures.
Additionally, Moshe Davidovich from the Forum of Border Communities underscored the need for Israel to maintain a strong security presence along its borders, cautioning that agreements with the Lebanese army would not replace the necessary security assurance provided by the Israel Defense Forces. Sources from Al-Akhbar indicated that the prisoner release was not merely a goodwill gesture but reflected ongoing discussions that were influenced by Lebanon’s requests for American intervention.
In conclusion, the discussions surrounding Lebanon’s borders with Israel have been characterized by a firm denial of any implications of normalization by Lebanese officials. Although Israel positions itself towards potential normalization through diplomatic channels, Lebanon remains cautious, emphasizing the need to address security concerns and unresolved territorial disputes. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for regional stability and the internal political landscape in Lebanon.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
