Lebanon(The COW News Digital) Lebanon and Israel have held their first direct talks in four decades, marking a rare diplomatic encounter between two countries technically still at war. The meeting, which took place at the United Nations peacekeeping headquarters, focused on extending the current ceasefire and exploring avenues for future cooperation, according to regional media reports.
Representatives from both sides attended the historic session, with Israel represented by Deputy Director of the National Security Council, Yori Reznick, and Lebanon represented by former diplomat Simon Karam. The talks, described as “constructive” by Israeli officials, were facilitated under UN supervision amid heightened tensions along the shared border.
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Israeli media reported that the discussions centered on stabilizing the fragile ceasefire and exploring potential economic cooperation, though any progress remains conditional on significant political developments. Israeli officials said the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and that both sides agreed in principle to examine proposals for cross-border economic initiatives. However, they underscored that such cooperation would require Hezbollah to disarm — a condition that has long stalled diplomatic progress.
The demand reflects Israel’s stance that Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese militia backed by Iran, remains the principal obstacle to peace and security along the northern border. Israeli officials argue that economic cooperation is impossible as long as Hezbollah maintains a military presence and threatens Israeli territory with rocket capabilities.
Lebanon, however, has been quick to distance itself from suggestions of broader normalization. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated following the talks that Beirut is not seeking political or economic ties with Israel, and that the focus of any engagement must be strictly limited to security and humanitarian concerns. Salam stressed that Lebanon remains committed to its national interests and legal rights, particularly regarding disputed border territories.
Analysts say the talks highlight an unusual moment of cautious engagement between two adversaries locked in decades of hostility. While the meeting does not signal a breakthrough, it represents a diplomatic opening at a time when regional dynamics are shifting — particularly amid broader Middle Eastern realignments.
The UN has encouraged both sides to maintain dialogue, arguing that sustained communication is essential to preventing a resurgence of conflict. Observers note that even modest progress, such as extending the ceasefire, could ease humanitarian pressures and reduce tensions along one of the region’s most volatile frontiers.
Despite the historic nature of the talks, both governments remain deeply entrenched in their positions, and prospects for long-term reconciliation remain uncertain.
