Israeli Energy Minister and cabinet member Eli Cohen ruled out the possibility of normalizing relations with Lebanon at this time on Wednesday evening, considering it premature to discuss the matter and requiring a targeted attack on Iran before any steps in this direction could be considered.

This came in a press interview conducted by Cohen with Israel's Channel 14, following statements made by a senior Israeli official in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, in which he said that Israel was interested in achieving "normalization of relations with Lebanon."

Speaking to a right-wing channel favored by Netanyahu and members of the governing coalition, Cohen said it was too early to talk about normalizing relations with Lebanon, and that this would only happen after what he called "targeting Iran" by the United States or Israel.

Cohen said in a statement: "I think it's too early to talk about normalization with Lebanon. I think it will be after we're able to target Iran, and after Trump succeeds in completing the mission, by agreement or otherwise. And if Trump doesn't do it, we will. Only then can it be discussed."

Earlier yesterday, an Israeli political official claimed that the Israeli Prime Minister's announcement on Tuesday of negotiations with Lebanon over the land border is part of a "broad and comprehensive plan," and that Israel is interested in achieving "normalization of relations with Lebanon."

The same official claimed, as quoted by Israeli media, that "the prime minister's policy has changed the Middle East, and we want to continue the momentum and reach normalization of relations with Lebanon. We and the Americans believe this is possible after the changes that have occurred in Lebanon." He added, "Just as Lebanon has demands regarding the borders, we also have demands, and we will discuss these matters."

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Tuesday that a meeting was held in the Lebanese border town of Naqoura with the participation of representatives from the Israeli military, the United States, France, and Lebanon. It was agreed to "form three joint working groups to address outstanding issues" with Lebanon.

He said this includes "the five points controlled by Israel in southern Lebanon, discussing the Blue Line and the contentious border issues, and the file of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel." He also announced Israel's agreement to release five Lebanese prisoners in what he described as a "gesture of goodwill."

In contrast, sources in the office of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the formation of three working groups to resolve the contentious issues with Israel is a continuation of the implementation of Resolution 1701, not a separate step. They denied that this constitutes a prelude to direct negotiations to normalize relations between the two sides.

In a related development, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajai, during a meeting with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Natasha Franceschi, stressed the need for Israel to withdraw from the Lebanese territories it occupies and implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

On Wednesday, Rajai received Franceschi, accompanied by US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, and "the political and security developments in Lebanon, as well as the latest developments in Syria, were discussed," according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants.

Rajai stressed "the necessity of Israel's complete withdrawal from the Lebanese territories it occupies and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701." He thanked "the United States for its mediation to secure the release of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel and for the assistance it provides to the Lebanese army."