Analyst: Direct Israel-Lebanon Negotiations an Initial Step to Build Trust

Jakarta (ANTARA) - International relations expert Andrea Abdul Rahman Azzqy considers the plan for direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon as an initial effort to build trust amid the unresolved conflict.

“This agreement, if many people from the West see it as part of a confidence-building measure or CBM, is important,” said Andrea when contacted on Wednesday (15/4).

She stated that this direct communication channel represents a new development because the two countries have had no diplomatic relations for more than 30 years.

The step is also taking place amid Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon since 2 March.

Nevertheless, Andrea assesses that the challenges to the credibility of the process remain significant.

The still-heated conflict situation in southern Lebanon shows a gap between diplomatic commitments and the reality on the ground, she said.

According to Andrea, several observers consider the low trust in Israel as the main obstacle to the success of the negotiations.

“Israel always says yes, but it does not do what has been agreed to be stopped, what has been agreed to be resolved. So, in a manner of speaking, you can’t trust Israel at all,” she said.

Nevertheless, she considers the step to still open hopes for peace if accompanied by civilian protection mechanisms and real de-escalation guarantees.

“The key is, without clear civilian protection mechanisms, and real de-escalation guarantees on the ground, then the negotiations are merely symbolic,” she stated.

The United States, Israel, and Lebanon were previously reported to have agreed to start direct negotiations following a trilateral meeting in Washington on Tuesday (14/4), according to a statement from the US State Department.