Beirut: In a significant development in the fraught Israel-Lebanon relationship, officials from both nations have agreed to expand truce negotiations by including civilian representatives in a U.S.-mediated military oversight committee. This marks the first time civilians are taking an active role alongside military officials to supervise and enhance the fragile cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated border between the two countries.

Under the new arrangement, Israel has appointed a representative from its National Security Council, while Lebanon has designated former ambassador Simon Karam to represent the civilian side. Traditionally, the committee had been composed solely of military personnel tasked with monitoring compliance with the ceasefire that followed

See Full Page