Israel, Lebanon hold talks on disarming Hezbollah - JNS Staff

 

by JNS Staff

Israeli National Security Council official Joseph Draznin attended the talks in Naqoura, Lebanon.

 

The United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrols along the Blue Line Israeli border between Ras Naqoura and Labounieh, Lebanon, April 8, 2024. Credit: Pasqual Gorriz/U.N. Photo.

An Israeli official participated in a meeting in Naqoura, Lebanon, on Friday aimed at ensuring the disarmament of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terror group.

“During the meeting, ways to promote economic projects were discussed in order to underscore the mutual interest in removing the Hezbollah threat and ensuring sustainable security for residents on both sides of the border,” the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem said.

“The meeting is a continuation of the security dialogue aimed at ensuring the disarmament of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army,” it added.

Israeli National Security Council official Joseph Draznin attended the talks, replacing Eli Resnick, who represented Israel at the first meeting in Naqoura on Dec. 3.

Those talks came a day after the Israel Defense Forces warned that Hezbollah is rapidly rebuilding its capabilities in Lebanon despite ongoing airstrikes since a truce took hold last year.

The ceasefire went into effect on Nov. 27, 2024, following an intense two-month IDF military campaign that led to the weakening of the Iranian terror proxy’s leadership. The deal was cemented by the Israeli and Lebanese governments and five mediating countries, including the United States.

The U.S. embassy in Beirut said Friday’s meeting was geared toward “continu[ing] coordinated efforts in support of stability and an enduring cessation of hostilities.”

According to the embassy, military officials provided operational updates, emphasized enhancing coordination, and agreed that a strong Lebanese Armed Force, responsible for security south of the Litani River, is essential for success.

“Civilian participants, in parallel, focused on setting conditions for residents to return safely to their homes, advancing reconstruction and addressing economic priorities. They underscored that durable political and economic progress is essential to reinforcing security gains and sustaining lasting peace,” added the statement.

The embassy said participants reaffirmed that progress on security and political tracks remains mutually reinforcing and essential to ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for both parties, and they look forward to the next round of meetings in 2026. 

JNS Staff

Source: https://www.jns.org/israel-lebanon-hold-talks-on-disarming-hezbollah/

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