LONDON: Work has reportedly begun in Lebanon to assemble a delegation that could represent the country in potential negotiations with Israel, as Beirut pursues diplomatic avenues in an attempt to end escalating hostilities along the border between the countries.
Discussions within the Lebanese leadership are reportedly focusing on the composition of a team that would include military, diplomatic and technical experts, as well as representatives of the Christian community, L’Orient-Le Jour newspaper reported on Thursday.
According to political sources cited in the story, the efforts to form a delegation come as talks intensify between Lebanese officials and international partners over the format and location of negotiations with Israeli authorities.
One proposal under discussion is to hold the talks in Cyprus. Any negotiations would likely take place under international sponsorship, with a focus on securing a comprehensive truce agreement and addressing outstanding disputes between the two countries.
Lebanese officials have said the primary objective would be to halt Israeli military operations and stabilize border regions, while also tackling broader issues linked to security arrangements and unresolved territorial disputes.
Beirut has repeatedly told international partners it was prepared to engage in negotiations with Israel with the aim of ending the conflict and restoring calm along the frontier, most recently at the UN this week when Lebanese representatives reiterated their country’s readiness to open talks, under international sponsorship, on a truce and the resolution of contentious issues.
