Israel, Lebanon hold talks on Hezbollah disarmament, return of displaced residents

Israel and Lebanon held talks on Friday as part of a security dialogue, focusing on Hezbollah's disarmament and the return of residents to their homes in Lebanon's southern border villages, according to Israeli and Lebanese sources.

The meeting, under U.S. coordination, took place in the town of Naqoura in southwest Lebanon, near Israel's northern border.

Israeli Deputy Director for Foreign Policy at the National Security Council Yosef Dreznin represented Israel in the talks, while Lebanon's former ambassador to the United States, Simon Karam, led the Lebanese delegation.

According to an Israeli statement, the meeting centered on Hezbollah's disarmament and the advancement of economic projects, highlighting a mutual interest in countering Hezbollah and ensuring long-term security for communities on both sides of the border.

A statement by the Lebanese presidency said that during the talks, Karam highlighted Lebanon's firm position on the humanitarian and national importance of enabling displaced villagers to return safely to their homes.

A ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel has been in force since November 27, 2024.

Despite the deal, Israel has continued to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, saying they are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah threats.

Earlier this month, the two countries held their first direct talks in Naqoura, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called "a first attempt to lay the groundwork for relations and economic cooperation between Israel and Lebanon."