Israel’s prime minister will dispatch a representative to meet government and economic officials in Lebanon, marking an initial step towards bilateral relations
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will send a representative to meet with government and economic officials in Lebanon.
His office stated this is an initial attempt to establish a basis for a relationship and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Beirut does not officially recognise Israel, making relations extremely sensitive.
The announcement follows the first anniversary of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Israel has repeatedly bombed Lebanon since the truce, targeting Hezbollah members and infrastructure.
It has ramped up these strikes in recent weeks.
On the ceasefire anniversary, the Israeli military said it had carried out around 1,200 “targeted activities” during the truce.
The United States has pressured Lebanon’s government to rapidly disarm Hezbollah.
US officials have also pushed for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently met the US Special Representative for Lebanon, Morgan Ortagus, in Jerusalem.
Saar stated that Hezbollah’s disarmament is crucial for Lebanon’s future and Israel’s security.
Ortagus also met with Prime Minister Netanyahu during her visit, according to Israeli media.
On Wednesday, Lebanon announced it would appoint a civilian to lead its delegation to the ceasefire oversight body.
This followed a request from the United States.
Lebanon had previously insisted on keeping a military officer in the role to avoid direct contact.
The appointment came after Lebanon declared itself ready for negotiations with Israel.
A statement from the office of President Joseph Aoun said the decision followed a US request and Israel’s agreement to include a non-military member in its delegation. – AFP
