What's happened
Lebanese and Israeli officials met in Naqoura for the 15th security and civilian talks since November 2024 ceasefire. Discussions focused on stabilizing border security, disarmament of Hezbollah, and economic recovery amid ongoing Israeli military operations and violations of the ceasefire. Next meeting scheduled for January 7.
What's behind the headline?
The recent Lebanon-Israel talks reveal a cautious but persistent effort to maintain stability amid ongoing hostilities. While the meetings focus on disarmament and border security, the underlying tensions remain high, with Israel continuing military operations and Hezbollah rejecting disarmament. The international community's push for political and economic progress aims to create a more durable peace, but the deep-rooted mistrust and military imbalance suggest that these negotiations will face significant hurdles. The focus on strengthening the Lebanese army indicates recognition that local military capacity is crucial for long-term stability, yet Hezbollah's influence and Israel's military actions threaten to undermine these efforts. The upcoming January 7 meeting will be critical in assessing whether diplomatic progress can translate into tangible security improvements, or if hostilities will escalate again.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the recent meetings are part of ongoing security dialogues aimed at disarmament and stability, with Israeli officials emphasizing economic cooperation and Hezbollah disarmament. Al Jazeera highlights the continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including daily airstrikes and occupation of Lebanese territory, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stresses the importance of civilian return and political progress. Reuters notes the international efforts led by the US, France, and Saudi Arabia to support Lebanon's security forces and economic recovery, with a focus on disarmament and border security. All sources agree that the situation remains fragile, with deep mistrust and ongoing military activity complicating diplomatic efforts.
How we got here
Since the 2024 ceasefire, Lebanon and Israel have engaged in multiple rounds of talks aimed at stabilizing the border region and preventing renewed conflict. The ceasefire followed Israel's invasion of Lebanon in September 2024, in response to Hezbollah attacks and ongoing tensions. The talks include civilian and military representatives, with international support from the US, France, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of a stronger Lebanese army and economic reconstruction to sustain peace.
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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.
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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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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.
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Joseph Khalil Aoun is a Lebanese Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2017.
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Nawaf Abdallah Salim Salam is a Lebanese politician, diplomat, jurist and academic who is the prime minister-designate of Lebanon.