News|Israel attacks LebanonLebanon and Israel hold first direct talks in 40 years as war fears rise

Civilian representatives from Lebanon and Israel participated in a session of the US-chaired ceasefire monitoring committee in Naqoura. This meeting marks the first direct talks between the two countries in over forty years.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that Beirut is prepared to engage in negotiations beyond security matters. However, he emphasized that these are not peace talks, and normalization is contingent upon a peace process. The negotiations aim at the cessation of hostilities, the release of Lebanese hostages, and the complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

Salam reiterated Lebanon's commitment to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposes full normalization of relations with Israel in exchange for its complete withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967. He clarified that Lebanon has no intention of concluding a separate peace deal with Israel.

The inclusion of civilian envoys is expected to help defuse tensions. The committee convened for approximately three hours along the Blue Line, the frontier between Lebanon and Israel. A statement issued afterward welcomed the participation of civilian envoys as an important step toward establishing lasting civilian and military dialogue.

The United States has urged both sides to expand the committee's scope beyond overseeing the 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The recent meeting occurs amidst concerns of renewed escalation following Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon's capital.

Israel continues regular airstrikes in Lebanon, often targeting Hezbollah members and facilities, while maintaining troops in five southern areas despite ceasefire terms requiring full withdrawal.

Lebanon's presidential office announced that Simon Karam, a lawyer and former ambassador to Washington, would represent Beirut alongside US envoy Morgan Ortagus. This appointment followed consultations between Lebanon's president, prime minister, and parliament speaker.

Some political actors in Lebanon have criticized Karam's appointment, viewing it as a concession. However, Salam defended the decision, asserting its political soundness and national support. He also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of overstating the significance of the appointment, emphasizing that Beirut is not entering peace negotiations.

Prime Minister Salam stated that Lebanon is open to expanding the committee's mandate to include verification of Israeli claims that Hezbollah is rearming and monitoring Lebanese army efforts to dismantle the group's infrastructure. He indicated the possibility of involving French or US troops on the ground.

Hezbollah faces increasing pressure to disarm from Israel and the United States following its attacks on Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Hezbollah has rejected disarmament demands, viewing them as a US-Israeli attempt to weaken Lebanon.

Salam reiterated that Hezbollah must relinquish its weapons as a crucial step for participation in state-building. He argued that the group's arsenal has not deterred Israel or protected Lebanon, asserting that the government has regained control over decisions of war and peace. Lebanon aims to avoid further conflict and learn from the experience of supporting Gaza.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.