Lebanon–Israel hold first direct talks in four decades

International Desk | PNN

Civilian representatives of Lebanon and Israel participated together for the first time in a U.S.-led ceasefire monitoring committee meeting in Naqoura. This is the first direct discussion between representatives of the two countries in over forty years.

On Wednesday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he is ready to participate beyond security issues in Beirut, but stressed this is not a peace negotiation. He said, “Normalization is only possible through a comprehensive peace process.”

Salam stated that the discussions aim to stop three conflicts, release Lebanese hostages, and achieve Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory. He reiterated that Lebanon continues to support the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposes establishing normal relations with Israel in exchange for full withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967.

After nearly three hours of discussions, a statement said civilian participation is an important step in forming “sustainable civil and military dialogue.” The committee hopes it will help establish a “peaceful environment” in the tense border area.

The U.S. has urged the committee to extend its work beyond security monitoring. Recently, increased Israeli airstrikes in Beirut have raised concerns of renewed conflict.

Israel’s official spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian called the meeting a “historic advancement,” claiming it reflects efforts by Prime Minister Netanyahu to reshape Middle East diplomacy.

Beirut sent former U.S. ambassador and lawyer Simon Karra as a civilian representative. Some political forces in Lebanon criticized his appointment. Salam said it is politically appropriate and in the national interest. He accused Israel of misrepresenting Karra’s participation as part of a peace process. “Lebanon is not entering a peace negotiation,” he emphasized.

The discussion covered verification of Hezbollah’s weapons stockpile and potential reorganization. Salam noted that if necessary, the presence of U.S. or French forces on Lebanese soil could be considered. Israel and the U.S. have pressured Hezbollah to disarm following Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, but Hezbollah has rejected these demands as a “conspiracy to weaken Lebanon.”

Salam stated that the legitimacy of Hezbollah’s weapons has ended, and the state’s sovereign decision should be the sole criterion for war or peace. “Lebanon will not take any new war risk,” he said. He also noted indications of potential new tensions from Israel, though no timeline is provided. Observers say the meeting, despite limited progress, has opened a new path for future talks.