Ongoing Ceasefire Discussions Amid Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah

Recent discussions aimed at maintaining a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah have unfolded in southern Lebanon. The backdrop of these talks includes intensified pressure from both Israel and the United States to disarm the Lebanese group, raising concerns about regional stability.

Ceasefire Committee Talks in Naqoura

Civilian and military representatives from Israel and Lebanon convened in the southern town of Naqoura on a recent Friday for a closed-door meeting, marking the 15th discussion since a truce was established in November 2024. During this gathering, military delegates presented “operational updates” and affirmed the need to bolster the Lebanese army as a critical element ensuring security south of the Litani River.

According to a statement from the US embassy in Beirut, civilian delegates focused on essential issues such as safe returns for displaced residents, reconstruction efforts, and economic priorities. The embassy emphasized that significant political and economic advancements are crucial for reinforcing security and securing a lasting peace.

However, these talks occur against the backdrop of repeated ceasefire violations by Israel, with ongoing air strikes targeting Hezbollah operations throughout Lebanon, particularly in the southern regions. Just a day prior to the talks, the Israeli military conducted a series of air strikes, claiming they were aimed at Hezbollah’s infrastructure and personnel.

Reporting from Naqoura, Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr noted that discussions are expected to reinforce a truce that has seemed largely imbalanced in favor of Israel, particularly as the Israeli army continues to occupy over 10 square kilometers of Lebanese territory along the border.

Looking Ahead: January Meeting Scheduled

Following the discussions, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Simon Karam, appointed as Lebanon’s chief civilian negotiator. Aoun expressed that the return of the tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese due to Israeli assaults is a critical step towards resolving broader issues. The next meeting of the committee is slated for January 7.

Aoun also welcomed a diplomatic agreement reached in Paris, involving the US, France, and Saudi Arabia, aimed at organizing an international conference in early 2026 to bolster the Lebanese army and internal security forces.

Israel was represented in the civilian talks by Yosef Dreznin, Deputy Director for Foreign Policy at the National Security Council. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the meeting as part of a continuing security dialogue intended to facilitate the disarmament of Hezbollah through reinforcement of the Lebanese army.

During these discussions, a focus on advancing economic projects was outlined, highlighting a shared interest in neutralizing the Hezbollah threat and ensuring sustainable security for communities on both sides of the border. However, Hezbollah remains adamant in rejecting any calls to disarm, particularly while Israel continues its military operations and occupies Lebanese land.

Naim Qassem, the recently appointed secretary-general of Hezbollah, criticized the Lebanese government’s concessions, arguing they lead to one-sided agreements without adequate returns. Paul Salem, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, commented on the limited scope of these current talks, expressing skepticism about any immediate prospects for peace, though he acknowledged future discussions may broaden in focus.