Israel is set to raise the level of its participation in direct talks with Lebanon, with Israeli Deputy National Security Adviser Dr. Yossi Draznin expected to attend a meeting scheduled for Friday in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura, according to details reported by Barak Ravid, a political reporter and Middle East expert for Axios.

Ravid cited two sources familiar with the matter as saying the move signals a step up in Israel’s engagement in the talks, which are being held under U.S. auspices amid heightened sensitivity along the Israel–Lebanon border.

The meeting will be the second direct encounter between the Israeli and Lebanese sides. Lebanon will be represented by Ambassador Simon Karam, while the U.S. delegation will be led by diplomat Morgan Ortagus, according to the same sources cited by Ravid.

One source familiar with the discussions said that, officially, the talks are focused on economic cooperation along the border. However, the source added that, less formally, the real aim is to prevent a resumption of the war following months of cross-border tensions that have repeatedly threatened to escalate.