Israel and Lebanon discuss security and economic issues

Israeli and Lebanese officials met directly in the southern Lebanon town of Naqoura on Friday.

The meeting aimed at preserving the ceasefire has convened, though it was only the second time in decades that Israeli and Lebanese civilian officials have met directly, after a December 3 meeting. Representing Israel at the meeting was National Security Council official Joseph Draznin.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the meeting as a “continuation of the security dialogue aimed at ensuring the disarmament of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army”.

“During the meeting, ways to promote economic projects were discussed in order to underscore the mutual interest in removing the Hezbollah threat and ensuring sustainable security for residents on both sides of the border,” the statement reads.