Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives met Wednesday for the first direct talks in decades, officials said. The meeting took place near the border under the UN peacekeeping force in Naqura, Lebanon. The talks are part of a ceasefire monitoring mechanism that began after the November 2024 truce with Hezbollah.
US special envoy Morgan Ortagus attended the session, following her visit to Jerusalem to meet Israeli officials. Israel sent a civilian representative for the first time, signaling a move toward non-military engagement. Lebanon’s delegation was led by former ambassador Simon Karam, marking a historic step in cross-border diplomacy.
Read more: Pope Leo brings peace appeal to strikes-hit Lebanon
The talks aim to stabilise the region and pressure Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, which the US views as a threat. Israel has increased targeted strikes recently, claiming Hezbollah’s military infrastructure still poses dangers despite the truce. The ceasefire’s first anniversary highlighted ongoing tensions, with Israel reporting over 1,200 operations against Hezbollah and allied groups.
The Israeli prime minister hopes the meetings can form a basis for economic cooperation and possible normalization. Lebanese officials indicated willingness to negotiate with southern neighbors while monitoring Israel’s civilian participation closely. Both sides emphasized that the talks are preliminary but represent the first civilian-level engagement in decades.
Read more: Lebanon to challenge Israel’s border wall at UN
Observers say success depends on Hezbollah’s disarmament and continued US mediation, while regional stability remains fragile. The UN continues to monitor the situation and advocates an impartial approach to any strikes or violations. Officials stress that these talks could set a precedent for broader diplomatic engagement in the Middle East.