Israel Calls Talks With Lebanon Historic After Decades

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel had “no serious disagreements” with Lebanon ahead of a new round of talks between Beirut and Jerusalem, set to take place in Washington.

Saar described the planned negotiations as a historic step, marking the first direct talks in more than 40 years. He made the remarks during a reception in Jerusalem marking Israel’s Independence Day for the diplomatic corps.

He also described Lebanon as a failed state under Iranian influence through Hezbollah. He said the group was a common enemy of both Israel and Lebanon, threatening Israel’s security while undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty and future.

Saar added that only minor border disputes remained between the countries and could be resolved. The main obstacle to peace and normalization of relations, he said, was Hezbollah.

Ahead of the talks, he urged the Lebanese government to cooperate against what he called a “terrorist state” built by Hezbollah on Lebanese territory. He said such cooperation required moral clarity and courage, but added that there was no real alternative to securing a peaceful future.

(timesofisrael, bak)