Members of Lebanon’s Technical Military Committee, held their 15th meeting in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, on December 19, as part of ongoing, coordinated efforts to support stability and work toward a lasting cessation of hostilities.

Military participants presented the latest operational updates and focused on strengthening military cooperation between the parties by identifying ways to enhance coordination. They agreed that reinforcing the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are responsible for security in the area south of the Litani River, is essential to the success of these efforts.

Meanwhile, the civilian participants focused on creating conditions for the safe return of residents to their homes, advancing reconstruction efforts, and addressing economic priorities. They affirmed that sustainable political and economic progress is necessary to consolidate security gains and help entrench a durable peace.

Together, participants reaffirmed that progress on both the security and political tracks remains interlinked and indispensable to ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for all sides. They said they are looking ahead to the next round of regular meetings scheduled for 2026.

The meeting began at 10:00 a.m. Beirut time in Ras Naqoura, with the participation of UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, who attended a Paris meeting the previous day focused on supporting the Lebanese Army.

This marked the 15th and final meeting of the year. It was also the second meeting for Simon Karam, the civilian head of the Lebanese delegation, which includes three officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces.

South Lebanon. (Annahar)

According to Internal reports indicate that the first meeting established the general framework, while today, contentious files are being put on the table.These include the implementation of the November 27, 2024 agreement, mechanisms for enforcing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the issue of restricting weapons south of the Litani River alongside the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Israeli Channel 12 reported on Thursday that Israel will raise its level of representation in negotiations with Lebanon.

The channel noted that the meeting, described as the second officially direct meeting between the two sides, will address economic cooperation at the border, while unofficially attempting to prevent the renewal of war.

Earlier, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun met with Simon Karam, the former ambassador who heads the Lebanese negotiating delegation within the Mechanism, and provided him with guidance ahead of the committee’s next .scheduled meeting on Friday