Israel sending representative to Lebanon in first step to restore relations

Israel is set to send a representative to engage with Lebanon's "government-economic entities" in what officials describe as an initial effort to lay the groundwork for cooperation. According to a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, the envoy will conduct discussions on the Prime Minister's behalf. Specific details regarding the timing and location of the meeting were not disclosed.

In 2022, Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement delineating their maritime border in the Mediterranean after extended negotiations. Following the Gaza conflict ceasefire on October 10, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun indicated the possibility of renewed talks with Israel.

Currently, the two countries maintain no formal diplomatic relations, though the United States has been actively promoting engagement between them. Technically, Israel and Lebanon remain in a state of war, with a ceasefire in effect since November of last year between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia. Despite this, Israel carries out nearly daily military actions across the border, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the ceasefire.

Attempts to disarm Hezbollah in Lebanon have so far not succeeded.

Author: Gavin Porter