Lebanon and Israel, for the first time, sent civilian representatives to a meeting of the previously only military ceasefire monitoring mechanism.
The mechanism was established after the latest war between Israel and the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah ended a year ago.
The talks on Wednesday were held at the headquarters of the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, in Nakoura, near Lebanon’s southern border.
The United States, which helped broker a ceasefire last year, wants direct, structured talks between Israel and Lebanon, but leaders from both countries object.
Israel and Lebanon do not have diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon is far from normalizing relations with Israel and remains committed to the 2002 Arab peace plan, which links diplomatic relations with Israel to the creation of a Palestinian state, a condition the Israeli government rejects.
“Economic relations would be part of such normalization, so obviously anyone following the news will know that we are not there at all,” Salam said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the atmosphere of the talks was “positive” and it was agreed to “develop ideas to promote potential economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon.”
However, the Israeli leader’s office said it was “essential” for Hezbollah to disarm regardless of any progress in economic cooperation.
Hezbollah and the question of the relationship between Lebanon and Israel
The Lebanese government has committed to disarming Hezbollah, starting with the south, where it has long held influence.
However, Hezbollah, whose military wing is designated a terrorist organization by several countries, has said the group will not consider complete disarmament until Israel withdraws from all Lebanese areas and ceases its attacks.
Israel maintains its positions in southern Lebanon and carries out almost daily airstrikes, which it says are aimed at preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities and planning new operations.
People in Lebanon fear Israel could resume a full-scale campaign amid frustration over slow efforts to disarm Hezbollah.
Edited by: Shawn Sinico