What's happened
Lebanese and Israeli civilian and military officials met in Naqoura for the 15th time since November 2024 ceasefire. Discussions focused on security, economic recovery, and disarmament of Hezbollah amid ongoing Israeli military operations and violations of the truce. Next meeting scheduled for January 7.
What's behind the headline?
The recent meetings highlight a fragile but persistent diplomatic effort to contain the Lebanon-Israel conflict. While civilian and military delegations discuss economic and security issues, the core challenge remains Hezbollah's disarmament, which Hezbollah opposes. The US and regional powers are pushing for political and military progress, but Israel's continued military strikes and occupation of Lebanese territory complicate negotiations. The upcoming January 7 meeting will be critical in assessing whether diplomatic efforts can translate into tangible security improvements. The focus on strengthening the Lebanese army indicates recognition that local forces are key to long-term stability, but Hezbollah's rejection of disarmament signals ongoing conflict risks. The international community's support, including plans for an early 2026 conference, suggests a broader effort to stabilize Lebanon, but the situation remains volatile, with the potential for renewed hostilities if diplomatic progress stalls.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the recent talks in Naqoura were the 15th since the ceasefire, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic efforts and the importance of economic initiatives alongside security discussions. Al Jazeera highlights the continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including air strikes and occupation, and notes Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's focus on returning displaced residents as a key issue. Reuters underscores the US-led push to expand talks beyond monitoring the ceasefire, with a focus on political and economic stability, and details Israel's ongoing military operations and territorial occupation. All sources agree that the core issues involve Hezbollah disarmament, border security, and the broader stability of Lebanon and Israel, but differ in tone—The Times of Israel emphasizes diplomatic progress, while Al Jazeera and Reuters highlight ongoing tensions and military actions.
How we got here
Since the 2024 ceasefire, Lebanon and Israel have engaged in multiple rounds of talks aimed at stabilizing the border region. The conflict was triggered by Israel's invasion of Lebanon in September 2024, following Hezbollah's attacks and ongoing tensions. The international community, including the US, France, and Saudi Arabia, has been involved in efforts to disarm Hezbollah and support Lebanon's stability.
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Common question
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What’s the latest on Lebanon and Israel’s ceasefire talks?
Since the recent ceasefire in 2024, Lebanon and Israel have been engaged in ongoing negotiations to stabilize their border region. These talks focus on key issues like security, disarmament of Hezbollah, and economic recovery. With tensions still high and military actions continuing, many are wondering what progress has been made and what the future holds for peace in the region. Below, we explore the latest developments, signs of progress or setbacks, and what might come next for peace efforts between Lebanon and Israel.
More on these topics
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Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament.
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus lies west across the Mediterranean Sea.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.