Israel and Lebanon have begun talks to demarcate their border, following a meeting in Naqoura involving representatives from both countries, the US, and France. They agreed to form three joint working groups to stabilize the region, addressing military withdrawals and detainee releases due to the ongoing ceasefire. Israel is under scrutiny for numerous ceasefire violations despite the negotiations.
Israel has commenced negotiations with Lebanon to delineate their shared border and withdraw from five military outposts in southern Lebanon, as stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This announcement followed a four-way meeting in Naqoura involving officials from the Israeli military, the US, France, and Lebanon. The talks have led to the establishment of three joint working groups focused on regional stability.
These working groups will concentrate on various significant issues, notably Israel’s withdrawal from five locations in southern Lebanon and a reassessment of the original pre-war land boundary between the two nations. Additionally, the negotiations will encompass discussions regarding the release of captives detained in Israel since the onset of the conflict.
In collaboration with the US and as a gesture to Lebanon’s newly elected president, Israel has agreed to free five Lebanese detainees. Subsequently, the International Red Cross has facilitated the transfer of these detainees back to Lebanon, a few weeks after their capture by Israeli forces during the recent conflict. They were then taken to the Lebanese Italian Hospital located in southern Lebanon.
Since the ceasefire was established on November 27, a fragile peace has (mostly) prevailed in Lebanon, halting the cross-border hostilities that escalated into a full-blown conflict last September. The ceasefire arrangement necessitated Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26, but this deadline has been postponed to February 18 due to Israel’s non-compliance. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts, despite numerous violations.
Lebanese authorities have documented approximately 1,100 violations of the ceasefire regulations by Israel, resulting in at least 85 deaths and over 280 injuries in the region, demonstrating the ongoing tension despite the mediator efforts.
In summary, Israel and Lebanon have initiated border demarcation talks amidst a fragile ceasefire, with plans to form joint working groups focused on critical issues such as military withdrawals and detainee releases. While the ceasefire has been established, reports of numerous violations highlight the persisting tension in the region. The completion of negotiations and adherence to the ceasefire terms will be pivotal in stabilizing Israeli-Lebanese relations going forward.
Original Source: www.yenisafak.com
