US official says Washington wishes to end to Israel-Lebanon border disputes

The US deputy special envoy for Near Eastern Affairs, Morgan Ortagus, says his country desires to see a “political resolution” to the border squabbles between Israel and Lebanon.

“When it comes to the border agreement, the land border agreement, there are 13 points – I think that six are still problematic,” Ortagus told Lebanese TV channel Al-Jadeed.

On Tuesday, the US  announced it is mediating talks between Lebanon and Israel to resolve outstanding disputes, including the release of Lebanese detainees and land border disputes. 

Earlier, Ortagus released a statement saying the two sides are committed to maintaining the ceasefire agreement, and that five Lebanese captives have been released. 

Israel and Lebanon had agreed to start talks over the disputed areas along their shared border.

It has been reported that the move comes following pressure from US President Donald Trump.