Israel and Lebanon Begin Border Talks, Israel Releases Detainees as Diplomatic Gesture

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin negotiations to settle their ongoing border dispute, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed on Tuesday. The decision follows a four-party meeting in Naqoura, Lebanon, involving Israel, Lebanon, the United States, and France under the supervision of the United Nations peacekeeping force (UNIFIL).

As part of the talks, three joint working groups have been formed to focus on:

• Territories occupied by Israel within Lebanon
• Disputed points along the Blue Line, the de facto border
• Lebanese detainees held by Israel

In a symbolic move, Israel released five Lebanese detainees, calling it a gesture of goodwill toward newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Lebanon confirmed the return of four detainees, with the fifth expected to be handed over on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue operations against Hezbollah operatives, underscoring the complex security dynamics in the region.