Potential Peace Talks Between Israel and Lebanon May Begin Soon

Israeli officials report that diplomatic discussions between Israel and Lebanon could start in the coming days to establish a lasting ceasefire. The negotiations would focus on disarming Hezbollah, though specific timing and conditions remain undetermined.

JERUSALEM – Two Israeli officials announced Sunday that diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon may commence within days, with the goal of establishing a lasting ceasefire that would include the disarmament of Hezbollah.

While Beirut is assembling a negotiating team, no specific date has been scheduled for the discussions. According to three Lebanese officials who spoke Saturday, Lebanon requires assurance that Israel will honor President Joseph Aoun’s primary condition – implementing a complete ceasefire to enable negotiations to proceed.

The potential diplomatic talks were initially disclosed by Israel’s Haaretz newspaper on Saturday.

A Lebanese official stated Sunday that Lebanon has not yet received formal notice from Israel regarding the proposed discussions.

The Israeli officials indicated that Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will spearhead Israel’s negotiating efforts, with France participating in the diplomatic initiative.

Israel’s Army Radio reported Sunday that Dermer, who formerly held the position of strategic affairs minister, traveled to Saudi Arabia last week to discuss the negotiations that would commence after the current military operations against the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization conclude.

Netanyahu’s office has not responded to requests for comment. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied earlier Sunday that any discussions with Lebanon were currently underway.

Lebanon became involved in the Middle Eastern conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, claiming the action was retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 800 Lebanese deaths and displaced more than 800,000 residents from their homes.

Aoun has indicated the Lebanese government’s willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Israel to achieve an end to the hostilities.

Lebanon’s openness to talks with Israel coincides with increasing internal tensions regarding Hezbollah’s armed status. The Beirut government prohibited Hezbollah’s military operations this month, but the organization dismissed the directive and continued fighting, launching hundreds of rockets toward Israel.

A Reuters report from Friday quoted an Israeli official stating that military operations against Hezbollah would likely intensify and persist even after attacks on Iran subside.