Lebanese PM: Peace Must Come Before Any Economic Ties With Israel

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said a long-term peace agreement with Israel could eventually lead to diplomatic relations and economic cooperation, but stressed that such developments remain distant.

Salam made the remarks in Beirut following discussions on the ongoing ceasefire and regional tensions.

Salam stated that any economic talks would only take place after full normalisation, which itself depends on a negotiated peace.

He clarified that economic ties cannot bypass political conditions or security terms. "Economic talks will be a part of normalisation, normalisation will follow peace. It cannot precede peace,” he said. “We are far from being there.”

• Lebanon PM Says Peace Must Precede Talks on Economic Ties With Israel
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• Lebanon Rules Out Economic Normalisation With Israel Before Full Peace

Lebanon and Israel remain technically at war, with a history of conflict marked by invasions, unresolved territorial disputes, and armed hostilities. Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified through most of 2024, ending in a ceasefire agreement in late 2024. Despite the truce, Israel continues to hold positions in southern Lebanon and has conducted strikes within Lebanese territory. 

Salam said the priority is full implementation of the ceasefire terms. These include the withdrawal of Israeli forces, a halt to military operations, and adherence to Lebanon’s sovereignty. The agreement also affirms the Lebanese state as the sole authority permitted to possess weapons. Hezbollah, a key non-state military actor in Lebanon, has rejected full disarmament but has confirmed support for the ceasefire framework.

Salam urged Hezbollah to comply with its obligations and emphasised that any pathway toward peace or negotiation depends on measurable security progress. He noted that stability is essential for economic recovery and potential cross-border development.

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While the idea of Lebanon-Israel normalisation exists and is viewed by some as a means to support Lebanon’s weakened economy, Salam said current political and military conditions make such prospects remote.