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Since early October, the position of military coordinator with UNIFIL forces, previously held by retired Colonel Mounir Shehadeh, has remained vacant. To date, no replacement has been appointed. It’s worth noting that the person in this position is tasked with chairing the Lebanese military delegation at tripartite meetings in Naqoura between the Lebanese army, the Israeli army and UNIFIL forces. Despite the eruption of the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation and the spread of tensions to southern Lebanon, no officer has been appointed to this position. Consequently, Naqoura meetings remain suspended.
These meetings, which had been ongoing since the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in May 2000, hold significant importance for Lebanon as they shed light on Israel’s violations on land, sea and in the air. They also address numerous border disputes, particularly following the July 2006 war, which saw the fortification of border points along the Blue Line and the negotiation of fundamental agreements, including the resolution of disputes over 6 contentious points along the Blue Line out of a total of 13. It’s worth mentioning that consensus on the remaining 7 points is imminent. Additionally, efforts were made to find a solution to the issue of northern Ghajar village, but none has yet been implemented, possibly awaiting the conclusion of the ongoing war.
The leadership of the international forces in Naqoura is eager to resume these meetings, expressing belief in their effectiveness in alleviating tensions and deteriorating conditions along the Lebanese-Israeli border. UNIFIL’s commander, General Aroldo Lázaro, urged Lebanese authorities to resume their participation in these meetings. However, according to well-informed sources, the Lebanese side linked this resumption to the cessation of the war. Consequently, no officer has yet been appointed to lead the Lebanese delegation.
On another front, according to Lebanese military sources, the appointment to this position is proposed by the army commander, approved by the Minister of Defense, and decreed by the Council of Ministers. However, it appears that General Joseph Aoun is awaiting a political go-ahead to proceed, an authorization that has not yet been granted. In the meantime, international forces have been informed by the army leadership that they can coordinate with the commander of the southern Litani region regarding any unforeseen developments until the resumption of Naqoura meetings.
