Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut

Beirut, Dec 20: Efforts to broaden negotiations between Lebanon and Israel gained momentum on Friday as the truce committee expanded talks to address security issues, economic reconstruction and the return of displaced civilians, officials said. The discussions took place during the 15th round of negotiations in Naqoura, Lebanon, amid growing international focus on stabilising the volatile border region.

The committee — part of a process supported by a peace initiative involving the United States — aims to build a durable political and economic framework that can underpin a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions triggered by Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon. Both sides acknowledged that sustainable peace would require strengthened political cooperation and economic support for affected communities along the border.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasised the need to restore normalcy and support reconstruction efforts in towns devastated by years of conflict, while officials from Israel’s Prime Minister’s office reiterated their commitment to pressure for disarmament of Hezbollah and enhanced security arrangements.

For the first time in recent meetings, civilian representatives were included in the committee, reflecting broader engagement beyond military and diplomatic channels. The panel plans to reconvene on January 7 to continue discussions ahead of the looming Hezbollah disarmament deadline.

This expanded dialogue comes amid ongoing concerns that delays or faltering progress could reignite hostilities in the region, as both nations seek a balance between security imperatives and civilian welfare along the decades-long contentious border.