Lebanon and Israel hold first direct talks in 40 years as war fears rise

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete December 3, 2025 at 11:13 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Lebanon and Israel held their first direct talks in 40 years on Wednesday in Naqoura, at a US-chaired ceasefire monitoring committee meeting. Civilian representatives joined the session, broadening the scope beyond military oversight. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated the negotiations aim for a cessation of hostilities, release of Lebanese hostages, and complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, but are not peace talks. Salam affirmed Lebanon's commitment to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The meeting occurred amid rising fears of renewed escalation, following recent Israeli air strikes in Lebanon. The committee welcomed the addition of civilian envoys as an important step towards lasting dialogue and hoped to nurture peace along the border.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States ×280% Nawaf Salam ×2100% Lebanon ×3100% Israel ×3100%

Keywords

lebanon-israel talks 100% direct talks 90% ceasefire 80% israeli withdrawal 70% cessation of hostilities 70% rising escalation 60% peace process 60% arab peace initiative 50% blue line 50% hezbollah 40%