Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator
Lebanon has formally entered a new phase of direct negotiations with Israel under the framework of the Five-Party Committee in Naqoura, marking a significant shift in Beirut’s approach to mounting international pressures. Analysts view this development as an important indicator of a qualitative transformation in how the Lebanese state is responding to the current military and political dynamics along its southern border.
Reactivation of Technical Dialogue Under U.S. Pressure
Experts note that Lebanon’s participation aligns with a U.S. request to reactivate the technical negotiation mechanism at a moment when global powers are seeking to contain the escalating conflict and avoid a broader confrontation along the northern front.
The Lebanese presidency, government, and parliament remain firmly opposed to any form of political normalization with Israel. The current discussions, he said, aim primarily to halt the war, secure the return of displaced civilians, ensure Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas, deploy the Lebanese Army, and ultimately confine Hezbollah’s weapons to state control.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam clarified in an interview with Al Jazeera that Lebanon is open to what he called “supra-military negotiations,” but insisted that the country is not engaged in any peace negotiations with Israel.
A Notable Appointment: Ambassador Simon Karam
Military and strategic expert Georges Nader described the appointment of Ambassador Simon Karam—known for his critical views on Hezbollah’s armed role—as “remarkable and unprecedented,” pointing to broad political alignment behind his selection. According to Nader, this consensus suggests a “positive development” that may help advance the negotiation track.
In an interview with Erem News, Nader explained that the meeting in the UN headquarters in Naqoura brought together members of the Five-Party Committee: an American chair, along with French, UN, Lebanese, and Israeli officers. Ambassador Karam’s participation as Lebanon’s representative came as part of a new understanding to reopen channels of dialogue, which Nader believes could reduce the likelihood—or at least the intensity—of a large-scale Israeli military operation.
He added that the meeting discussed sensitive security issues, including mechanisms to contain the conflict and prevent an uncontrolled slide into wider confrontation.
Escalation on the Ground: Israeli Airstrikes Continue
On Thursday, Israel carried out airstrikes on several towns in southern Lebanon, claiming they targeted Hezbollah military infrastructure. The strikes followed warnings delivered to residents in specific buildings and surrounding areas—an escalation occurring just one day after the first civilian-level meeting between Lebanese and Israeli representatives within the ceasefire monitoring committee, and two days after the Pope’s historic visit to Beirut.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, the strikes hit the towns of Mahrouneh, Jbaa, al-Mijadl, and Braachit. Israel said the sites contained Hezbollah military installations. Smoke rose over residential neighborhoods in Jbaa, while Israeli aircraft continued to fly over Tyre district, the western sector, and even Beirut and Its southern suburbs.
The relative calm Lebanon had experienced during the Pope’s visit was replaced by renewed fears of further escalation following the historic interaction between civilian representatives of both sides.
U.S. Reaction
U.S. Ambassador Michael Issa praised both Lebanon and Israel for what he called “a courageous decision to open a dialogue channel at this sensitive moment.” He added that sustainable progress requires mutual respect for each side’s concerns and aspirations.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun: Negotiations to Prevent a Second War
President Joseph Aoun described the first negotiation session with Israel as “positive” and urged all parties to build on it to prevent a “second war.” He announced that the next round of talks is scheduled for December 19.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Aoun emphasized that while the first session was not expected to produce major breakthroughs, it successfully laid the groundwork for upcoming discussions. He reiterated that Lebanon will not compromise on its sovereignty and that diplomacy must replace conflict.
The president confirmed that Ambassador Karam had been appointed to lead the Lebanese delegation following consultations with the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, who all agreed on the necessity of introducing a civilian figure into the mechanism.
Israeli Statements and Claims
The Israeli Army announced that it had targeted “weapons depots belonging to Hezbollah located within civilian areas,” accusing the group of using Lebanese civilians as human shields. The military said It used precise munitions and issued advance warnings to avoid civilian casualties.
Israel argued that Hezbollah’s placement of military assets constitutes a violation of understandings governing the ceasefire, and vowed to continue operations to eliminate any threat along the northern frontier.
The strikes, which destroyed several buildings, came just one day after the two sides sent civilian representatives to the Naqoura committee meeting. This marks Israel’s largest attack accompanied by evacuation warnings since the Pope’s departure from Beirut.
Background: A Year of War and Violations
Israel launched a military campaign against Lebanon in October 2023, which evolved into a full-scale war by September 2024, leaving more than 4,000 dead and over 17,000 wounded.
Despite a U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, 2024, Israeli forces continue daily airstrikes and maintain control over five hills in southern Lebanon, along with areas they have occupied for decades.
The Central Point of Contention: Hezbollah’s Disarmament
Israel insists on the complete disarmament of Hezbollah—not only south of the Litani River but within a 30-kilometer zone from the Blue Line. Moreover, Israel has linked any withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories to progress on this Issue.
Syrian talks with Israel may significantly affect the Lebanese position towards Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah is a Lebanese armed resistance group, supported by Iran, and formerly supported by Syria, who base their right to resistance on the fact that Israel has occupied the Shebaa Farms territory, which borders both Syria and Israel.
Secondarily, Hezbollah has been actively resisting the occupation of Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, in solidarity with Palestinian resistance groups, who have been supported by Iran and Qatar. The UN, and the International Court of Justice have stated the Israeli occupation of Palestine is illegal and must be stopped.
The Lebanese government recognizes the Shebaa Farms as Lebanese, as does the UN and most of the international community, excepting the US and Israel. Syria has recognized Shebaa Farms as Lebanese territory, which under the Assad regime formed a basis for Syria’s support of Hezbollah.
The current, and ongoing talks between Israel and Syria may discuss Syria changing its position on the Shebaa Farms, and Syria could be asked to recognize it as Syrian land. Some Israeli media have hinted Israel may table an offer that Syria will be given the Shebaa Farms in exchange for relinquishing rights to the Golan Heights.
The Golan Heights were captured by Israel in 1967 and then occupied until 1981 when Israel annexed the area. In 2019, Trump officially recognized the Golan Heights as legitimate territory of Israel, although the UN, most of the international community, and Syria have never recognized Trump’s order. When Joe Biden followed Trump into office in 2020, the Biden administration refused to rescind the Trump order, in deference to AIPAC and Israel.
Both Syria and Lebanon have suffered from past and current Israeli occupations. The coming months and completions of talks may produce positive results, or a continuation of the Israeli-US policy of chaos in the region.
Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award winning journalist.