In a rare move signaling a potential shift in regional dynamics, Lebanese and Israeli officials have engaged in direct civilian negotiations. These discussions, the first of their kind in decades, are being viewed by analysts as a significant step beyond the existing ceasefire monitoring committee.
The talks, held in Naqoura, were attended by officials from both sides, alongside Morgan Ortagus, Deputy to the US Envoy for the Region, former Lebanese Ambassador Simon Karam, and the Deputy Head of Israeli Foreign Policy. This development aligns with the United States’ objective of expanding engagement beyond ceasefire monitoring, as President Trump continues to pursue normalization agreements between Israel and regional countries.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in an exclusive interview, stated his country’s readiness for ‘post-military’ negotiations with Israel. He emphasized that the inclusion of civilians in the delegation has strong political backing. Salam clarified that these negotiations are not aimed at normalization with Israel, but rather at securing Lebanon’s border rights and establishing a lasting cessation of hostilities. He reiterated that lasting peace is contingent upon the Arab Peace Initiative and the two-state solution.
The term ‘post-military negotiations,’ as used by Salam, reflects an effort to find a new level of engagement with Israel that does not contradict the principle of no direct political negotiations with the ‘occupying state,’ according to political analyst Nicola Nassif. Shifting the negotiations from a military to a political sphere could face resistance from Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, as well as fundamental opposition from Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s choice of Simon Karam, described by Nassif as a seasoned politician rather than a diplomat, aligns with President Joseph Aoun’s recent call for negotiations with Israel to defuse rising tensions. The position of the Shia bloc on this development remains unknown. These negotiations represent a critical juncture in the complex relationship between Israel and Lebanon. Whether they can effectively de-escalate tensions and pave the way for a more stable future remains to be seen.
