Thu Dec 18 16:43:53 UTC 2025: ## Israel, Lebanon to Hold Second Ceasefire Meeting Amid Escalating Tensions

Naqoura, Lebanon – Representatives from Israel and Lebanon, along with officials from the United States, France, and the United Nations, are scheduled to meet on Friday in Naqoura, Lebanon, to discuss the implementation of a fragile ceasefire agreement. The meeting comes amidst escalating tensions and threats of an expanded Israeli military campaign in Lebanon.

This marks the second direct meeting between civilian representatives from both countries since the initial discussions on December 3. The meetings are ostensibly aimed at monitoring the ceasefire agreed upon last November, following a devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Israel has been repeatedly accused of violating the agreement, with continued attacks in Lebanon and the occupation of Lebanese territory.

Since the ceasefire on November 27, 2024, Israel has reportedly killed over 300 people in Lebanon, including at least 127 civilians, according to the United Nations.

The meeting will be facilitated by a special committee comprised of representatives from the US, France, Israel, Lebanon, and the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, UNIFIL. The committee, chaired by a US general, was initially composed of military officials but now includes civilian representatives following pressure from Israel.

Lebanon maintains it has largely adhered to the terms of the ceasefire, with the army nearing completion of its mission to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with the exception of areas still occupied by Israel.

While Israel has expressed interest in discussing potential economic cooperation as part of these talks, analysts remain skeptical given the ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory and the displacement of tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens.

The US, Saudi Arabia, and France met with the head of the Lebanese army on Thursday in Paris in an effort to coordinate positions and potentially avert an Israeli escalation in Lebanon. They also reportedly agreed to document the Lebanese military’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah. The future of the ceasefire and the possibility of a wider conflict hinge on the outcome of these crucial discussions.

Read More