Israel-Lebanon Negotiations

From the beginning of the peace process in the 1990s, negotiations with Lebanon have been overshadowed by Syrian control over Lebanon’s policies and decision-making process. Over a dozen rounds of bilateral talks were held between Israel and Lebanon in the framework of the Washington talks. These negotiations have been stalled since February 1994, and there is currently no contact between the two sides.

Israel has clarified to the Lebanese that it makes no claims to Lebanese land or resources and that its primary concern is for security on its northern border. Israel has suggested a settlement based on the following principles:

• The Lebanese army will be deployed north of the security zone and, for six months, will prevent any terror activities against the security zone and Israel. Israel will be prepared to sign a peace agreement with Lebanon three months following that initial period.
• Before any change in its redeployment on the Lebanese front, Israel must be convinced that the military organs of all terrorist groups currently operating out of Lebanon will be irreversibly disbanded.
• The government of Israel must receive practical and valid guarantees that no harm will be inflicted upon Lebanese citizens and Southern Lebanese Army personnel currently residing in the security zone and that they will be absorbed in the governmental and societal fabric of Lebanon.

In April 1996, following months of provocations by Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists based in Lebanon, Israel initiated “Operation Grapes of Wrath” directed against these terrorist elements.

On April 26, 1996, through U.S. mediation, a document of understanding was achieved in consultation with Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. In addition to establishing what it is hoped will be a lasting end to hostilities, the document recognizes that a comprehensive peace can be achieved only based on negotiations:

“It is recognized that the understanding to bring the current crisis between Lebanon and Israel to an end cannot substitute for a permanent solution. The United States understands the importance of achieving comprehensive peace in the region.

Toward this end, the United States proposes the resumption of negotiations between Syria and Israel and between Lebanon and Israel at a time to be agreed upon to reach a comprehensive peace.”

The United States understands that these negotiations should be conducted in a climate of stability and tranquility.”

On April 1, 1998, the Israeli government adopted a decision “accepting UN Security Council Resolution 425, so that the IDF will leave Lebanon with appropriate security arrangements, and so that the Lebanese government can restore its effective control over Southern Lebanon and assume responsibility for guaranteeing that its territory will not be used as a base for terrorist activity against Israel.” In addition, the government “calls on the Lebanese government to begin negotiations, based on UN Security Council Resolution 425 to restore its effective control over territories currently under IDF control, and to prevent terrorist activities from its territory against Israel’s northern border.”

The government guidelines established by Prime Minister Barak in July 1999 reiterate: “The Government will act toward bringing the IDF out of Lebanon while guaranteeing the welfare and security of residents of the north and aspiring to conclude a peace treaty with Lebanon.”

On March 5, 2000, the Israeli government passed a resolution to deploy the IDF forces on the border with Lebanon by July 2000, preferably in the framework of an agreement. After a 22-year military presence, Israel unilaterally withdrew from southern Lebanon in May 2000. The move ended its occupation, but Lebanon’s border demarcation remained unresolved, particularly regarding the Shebaa Farms area, which both Israel and Lebanon claimed.

In the summer of 2006, the Israeli military clashed with Hezbollah after the militant group captured two Israeli soldiers. The war led to widespread destruction in Lebanon and marked a significant deterioration in relations. The conflict ended with a UN-brokered ceasefire, and UN Resolution 1701 called for a cessation of hostilities, the reinforcement of UNIFIL, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the expansion of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon. Despite the resolution, Hezbollah regained its capabilities, UNIFIL and the Lebanese military proved ineffective, and tensions remained high.

In the years following the Second Lebanon War, the two countries began indirect negotiations over their maritime border, particularly concerning potential oil and gas reserves in the Mediterranean Sea. However, negotiations faltered, and no agreement was reached. Tensions later resurfaced over the demarcation of Israel’s maritime borders, mainly regarding an area with potential gas reserves. In 2020, after years of unofficial discussions, the United States mediated indirect talks between Lebanon and Israel to resolve this issue. In October 2020, with U.S. and UN mediation, Lebanon and Israel agreed to a framework for negotiations over their maritime border. The talks focused on resolving disputed waters in the Mediterranean and clearing the way for potential exploration of gas reserves. Finally, in October 2022, Israel and Lebanon announced a consensus on an agreement to establish a permanent maritime boundary between the two countries.

In October 2023, another escalation of Israel and Hezbollah occurred in the backdrop of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Following repeated Hezbollah provocations, which began the following day, Israel confronted Hezbollah and destroyed much of the organization’s military capabilities. Following these events, representatives from Israel, Lebanon, the U.S., and France met in Naqoura in March 2025 to begin negotiations to resolve disputes and prevent renewed conflict. Led by U.S. Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus, the talks were framed as “military to military” to avoid accusations of Lebanese normalization with Israel. As a goodwill gesture, Israel agreed to release five Lebanese detainees. Lebanese President Aoun has signaled a shift away from Iranian influence, aligning more with Saudi Arabia and the Arab consensus. During his first foreign visit as President to the kingdom, he had said, “When one occupies Beirut, destroys Damascus, threatens Amman, makes Baghdad suffer or takes Sanaa... it is impossible for anyone to claim that this serves Palestine.” He continued, still without naming Iran, “Lebanon has suffered a lot, but it has learned from its sufferings.”

Moving forward, three U.S.-led working groups will address border disputes, prisoner issues, and Israeli outposts in Lebanon, aiming for a long-term agreement beyond past ceasefires.

Sources: Israeli Foreign Ministry.
Barak Ravid, “Israel and Lebanon agree to land border negotiations after U.S. push,” Axios, (March 11, 2025).