Netanyahu: Economic projects discussed to underscore mutual interest in removing Hezbollah threat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday described the Mechanism meeting held in Naqoura 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,” Netanyahu added, in a statement released by his office.

Friday’s gathering in Naqoura was the second meeting of the Mechanism after Israel and Lebanon appointed civilian members to a previously military-only committee. The group also includes the United States, France and the U.N. peacekeeping force deployed along the border.

A statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut said that military participants offered operational updates and remained focused on deepening the cooperation by finding ways to increase coordination through the Mechanism. It added that all participants agreed that a strengthened Lebanese Army “is critical to success.”

The embassy added that civilian participants meanwhile focused on setting conditions for residents to return safely to their homes, advancing reconstruction, and addressing economic priorities. It added that they underscored that durable political and economic progress is essential to reinforcing security gains and sustaining lasting peace.

The embassy also said that meeting participants reaffirmed that progress on security and political tracks remains mutually reinforcing and essential “to ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for both parties.”