Historic Talks at Naqoura: Lebanon and Israel Meet After Four Decades

On December 3, 2025, Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives convened at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura, marking the first direct talks between the two nations in over four decades. This meeting, facilitated by U.S. mediation, aimed to reinforce the ceasefire established in November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Lebanese delegation was led by Simon Karam, a former ambassador to the United States, while Israel's delegation included Uri Resnick from the National Security Council. U.S. Special Representative Morgan Ortagus also attended the meeting. Discussions focused on implementing the cessation of hostilities, the release of Lebanese hostages, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that these talks did not signify broader peace negotiations but were aimed at fully implementing the existing truce. He stated, "We are not yet at peace talks." Salam also noted that Lebanon is far from establishing diplomatic or economic relations with Israel, despite recent U.S.-brokered steps toward civilian-level negotiations intended to ease tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office described the meeting as "an initial attempt to establish a basis for a relationship and economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon." However, Lebanese officials have downplayed the significance of this statement, maintaining that the talks are strictly limited to ceasefire implementation.

The inclusion of civilian representatives in the ceasefire monitoring committee is seen as a significant step toward expanding diplomatic engagement between the two nations. However, Lebanese laws criminalize contact with Israelis, making this meeting a notable development.

Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, criticized the Lebanese government's decision to send a civilian delegate to the talks, describing it as a "free concession" to Israel and a breach of Lebanon's previous governmental positions.

This meeting represents a cautious yet noteworthy step in the complex relationship between Lebanon and Israel, with potential implications for regional stability and future diplomatic engagements.