Progress in Talks Between Lebanon and Israel on Borders and Prisoners

Beirut, August 8: Recent discussions between Lebanon and Israel have made headway regarding border issues and the return of prisoners. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that significant progress was achieved during talks held in Rome.

According to a statement from the Lebanese presidential office, Aoun highlighted four main topics discussed during a cabinet meeting on Friday. These included ceasefire, demolition of homes, border issues, and the identification of pilot areas for prisoner return.

Aoun referred to the “positive progress” on border and prisoner issues and expressed hope that practical steps would be taken soon. He noted that the U.S. administration would work to resolve remaining issues related to the ceasefire and pilot areas. Reports from Xinhua news agency indicate that U.S. General Joseph Clearfield is expected to arrive in Beirut soon to discuss further actions.

Local media reported that these comments came a day after Israeli and Lebanese officials concluded three days of talks in Rome. The aim of these discussions was to enhance security arrangements along the border and implement the framework agreement signed in Washington at the end of June. This marks the seventh round of negotiations between the two governments, despite opposition from Hezbollah.

On Thursday, United Nations officials reported an increase in military activities between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This uptick is the most significant since the signing of the U.S.-Israel-Lebanon framework agreement at the end of June.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) recorded an incident where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) fired 113 shells and missiles, marking the highest number since June 21. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, noted that during this period, UNIFIL did not detect any shells or missiles fired by Hezbollah.

Haq also reported that UN peacekeepers recorded 49 incidents of airspace violations, totaling over 131 hours of flight time, the highest since June 23. Additionally, three airstrikes were observed northwest of Al-Mansouri.

On Monday, UNIFIL observed IDF patrol boats crossing the “Line of Boyz” into Lebanese maritime territory before returning southward.

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