Aoun appoints first civilian, ex-ambassador Simon Karam, to lead Mechanism delegation
Lebanon announced on Wednesday that it would appoint a civilian to lead its delegation to the body overseeing the ceasefire with Israel, after a request from the United States.
Until now Lebanon, which does not recognize Israel, had insisted on keeping a military officer in the role.
Lebanon's military representatives have avoided any direct contact with Israel's delegation.
The appointment of a civilian comes after Lebanon declared itself ready for negotiations with Israel.
At the same time, Israel has been intensifying its strikes in Lebanon which the Israeli military mostly says target Hezbollah, despite the ceasefire agreed in November 2024.
"President Joseph Aoun has decided to appoint former ambassador Simon Karam to lead the Lebanese delegation," presidency spokeswoman Najat Charafeddine said.
The decision followed a U.S. request and "after being informed that Israel agreed to include a non-military member in its delegation", she added.
Israel has sent troops into Lebanon on several occasions and relations remain extremely sensitive.
The most recent war between Israel and Hezbollah has upended Lebanese politics by significantly weakening the militant group and its grip on power.
The United States is also pressuring Lebanon's government to rapidly disarm Hezbollah and has pushed for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
The oversight body, which also includes U.S., French and U.N. representatives, will meet today and Karam will participate in the meeting in Naqoura, Charafeddine said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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