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Israel and Lebanon Launch Border Talks, Release Detainees in Goodwill Gesture to President Aoun

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Updated Mar 13, 2025, 04:26 PM

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to initiate negotiations to resolve longstanding disputes over their land border, following mediation by the United States. The decision was announced after a quadrilateral meeting in Naqoura, Lebanon, involving representatives from Israel, Lebanon, the US, and France. The talks aim to address several unresolved issues, including the demarcation of the land border, the release of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, and the conditions for Israel's withdrawal from five strategic outposts in southern Lebanon. As a gesture of goodwill to Lebanon's new president, Joseph Aoun, Israel has agreed to release five Lebanese detainees. The release of these prisoners, who were apprehended by Israeli forces during recent conflicts, was coordinated with the United States. The first four detainees were handed over to Lebanese authorities in Naqoura, with the fifth expected to be released the following day. The Blue Line, a UN-patrolled demarcation line, and the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 are central to these discussions. The negotiations will be facilitated through the establishment of three joint working groups. These groups will focus on the five points in southern Lebanon still controlled by Israel, discussions regarding the Blue Line and remaining disputed areas, and the issue of Lebanese detainees. The US has expressed its commitment to achieving a diplomatic resolution to these issues, with Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus emphasizing the importance of resolving the border disputes. The ceasefire agreement, which has been fragile due to the presence of Hezbollah and ongoing Israeli military operations, remains a key factor in the negotiations.

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