Israel Sends Representative to Lebanon for Economic Cooperation Talks

Israel is sending a representative to Lebanon for the first time in a bid to establish economic dialogue between the two nations, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Wednesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Acting National Security Council head Gil Reich to dispatch an envoy “to a meeting with government-economic officials in Lebanon,” calling it “a first attempt to create a basis for economic relations and cooperation.”

The development comes amid fragile calm following last year’s military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. A ceasefire took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, after a two-month Israeli campaign weakened the Iran-backed terror group’s leadership. The truce was brokered with support from five mediating countries, including the United States.

Despite the ceasefire, the IDF recently warned that Hezbollah is rapidly rebuilding its military capabilities, and Israel has accused the Lebanese government of ignoring the group’s violations of state sovereignty. A U.S.-backed disarmament deadline of Dec. 31, 2025, has been set for Lebanon to bring all weapons under official state control, per diplomatic sources cited by Israel Hayom.

The talks with Lebanon are seen as a diplomatic outgrowth of Israel’s battlefield success. “These talks… would not have been possible without our crushing victories on the northern front,” Netanyahu said in a recent Cabinet meeting.

U.S. Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus visited Jerusalem this week to discuss regional dynamics with Israeli leadership. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar emphasized to Ortagus that “the one violating Lebanese sovereignty is Hezbollah” and that its disarmament is “crucial for Lebanon’s future and Israel’s security.”

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajj recently suggested a shift toward diplomacy, telling MTV that “military solutions” have failed and that he personally has “no taboos” about direct talks with Israel, contingent on government approval.

The Israeli delegation’s participation could represent a rare breakthrough in regional diplomacy, potentially opening new avenues for cooperation on infrastructure, trade, and energy. It also reflects growing international pressure on Lebanon to rein in Hezbollah and uphold United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.