Lebanon Israel Negotiations: Dermer Confirms Progress on Border Disputes Toward Political Settlement

Lebanon Israel Negotiations: Dermer Confirms 7 of 13 Border Disputes Resolved with Lebanon

Former Israeli minister Ron Dermer, responsible for negotiations with Lebanon, stated that “the border dispute with Lebanon is very small,” explaining that there are 13 disputed border points, seven of which have been resolved so far.

Dermer, a close associate of Benjamin Netanyahu, revealed during his speech at the Strecker Center of Temple Emanu-El synagogue in New York that he has returned to work on behalf of the Israeli Prime Minister to manage negotiations with the Lebanese government. He explained that he has already begun making progress toward a political settlement with Lebanon, according to excerpts published by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

Dermer emphasized that any agreement with Lebanon would not permit threats along the border, pointing to the importance of disarming Hezbollah to ensure Israeli security. He clarified that it is possible to discuss a potential peace agreement, while affirming that Israel does not seek to occupy or attack Lebanon.

In the Israeli context, Dermer predicted that “the next Knesset will be more right-wing” as a result of the October 7 outcomes and Israel’s new security doctrine, expressing hope for forming a broad national unity government not subject to extortion by small parties. He added that negotiations with Lebanon would differ from previous phases, with focus on security and border policy.

Dermer’s remarks came yesterday, Tuesday, following his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with senior officials to discuss a potential settlement formula with Lebanon, and in the wake of Hezbollah’s launch of Operation “Khaybar 1” and the continued escalation and cross-border exchanges since early this month.