Israel will raise its level of participation in direct talks with Lebanon by sending Deputy National Security Adviser Dr. Yossi Draznin to the second meeting tomorrow in Naqoura, according to two sources familiar with the matter cited by journalist Barak Ravid on X during the reporting window from 6:46 p.m. to 9:16 p.m. UTC on December 18, 2025. The Lebanese delegation will be represented by Ambassador Simon Karam, with U.S. diplomat Morgan Ortagus also attending, as stated in Ravid's post. A source familiar with the details said the meeting is officially focused on economic cooperation along the border. Less officially, the talks aim to prevent a resumption of war between the sides, according to the source cited by Ravid. This marks the second direct meeting between Israel and Lebanon. The development occurs amid ongoing border-related activities in southern Lebanon, including a joint Lebanese Army and UNIFIL inspection of a site between Siddiqin and Kafra earlier on December 18, as reported in the previous period ending at 6:46 p.m. UTC.
