Israeli and Lebanese officials held talks Friday in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura, focusing on Hezbollah’s disarmament and the return of residents to border villages, according to statements from both sides.
The meeting, coordinated by the United States, brought together Israeli National Security Council official Yosef Dreznin and Lebanon’s former ambassador to Washington, Simon Karam.
Israel said discussions centered on curbing Hezbollah and advancing economic projects to bolster long‑term security. Lebanon’s presidency said Karam stressed the humanitarian importance of allowing displaced villagers to return safely to their homes.
A cease‑fire between Israel and Hezbollah has been in place since Nov. 27, 2024, though Israel has continued occasional strikes in Lebanon, citing threats from the group.
The two countries held their first direct talks in Naqoura earlier this month, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as “a first attempt to lay the groundwork for relations and economic cooperation.”