Israel-Lebanon Border Talks: A Diplomatic Shift

Israel agrees to talks with Lebanon to demarcate their shared border and will release five Lebanese detainees. This diplomatic move comes amid longstanding tensions and previous conflicts involving Hezbollah. The negotiations involve the U.S. and France, aiming for a peaceful resolution.

In a significant diplomatic development, Israel announced on Tuesday its willingness to engage in discussions with Lebanon to demarcate their mutual border. This move includes the release of five Lebanese detainees, a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill with the Lebanese president.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office revealed that Israel, Lebanon, the United States, and France have all agreed to form working groups tasked with negotiating the precise demarcation line between the two countries. Despite Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire deal, its forces maintain strategic hilltop positions while conducting airstrikes due to perceived Hezbollah activity.

The ceasefire, which was established to end over a year of hostilities between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, succeeded a full-scale Israeli air and ground operation in Lebanon. This conflict displaced over a million residents and severely weakened Hezbollah, which suffered substantial losses in its leadership due to Israeli assaults.

(With inputs from agencies.)