Lebanon's Prime Minister Says Diplomatic Normalization and Economic Relations with Israel Are Not on the Horizon

BEIRUT Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized on Wednesday that his nation remains far from establishing diplomatic or economic relations with Israel, despite recent steps toward direct discussions aimed at easing regional tensions.

Speaking to a small group of journalists in Beirut, Salam's remarks contrasted with statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who indicated that Israel would send a representative to meet with Lebanese officials. Netanyahu described this as an initial effort to lay the groundwork for relations and economic collaboration between the two nations.

Both Lebanon and Israel recently announced the inclusion of civilian representatives in a committee that was previously limited to military members. This body oversees the enforcement of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire that ended last years conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Civilian members participated in Wednesday's session of the mechanism.

The two countries lack formal diplomatic relations and have technically been at war since 1948. The introduction of civilian talks appears to be a preliminary step toward direct bilateral negotiations, encouraged by Washington. However, Salam reiterated Lebanon's adherence to the 2002 Arab peace plan, which links normalization with Israel to the establishment of a Palestinian statea proposal that Netanyahu's government has consistently rejected.

Economic ties are part of normalization, so it is clear to anyone following the news that we are not close to that at all, Salam stated.

Author: Aiden Foster