The meeting between the American mediator Amos Hochstein and the three presidents at Baabda Palace was not a mere formality; it revealed the ideas both sides have regarding the final solutions concerning border delineation and the commencement of gas extraction. Information that has remained confidential comes from a political source, who confirms to "Al-Joumhouria" that Hochstein's statements during the meeting were decisive, emphasizing that his return to Beirut was not due to any political or media pressure related to the negotiations and their course, but rather due to the new developments stemming from the sending of "drones" into the sea opposite Karish. This incident is considered the primary motive for calming the situation and achieving a solution that restores stability to the region.
The information reveals that Hochstein listened to the Lebanese delegation regarding a fundamental demand: the line 23, in addition to the entire Qana field, without sharing any part of it with the enemy and without Lebanon making any financial compensation for acquiring it. At this point, Hochstein requested a three-month period to respond to the Lebanese demand. However, Major General Abbas Ibrahim intervened to adjust the situation, asserting that the deadline would not exceed 10 days and he would "not be responsible" for any changes thereafter. Following a debate that involved Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who proposed a two-week extension, Hochstein understood the message well and agreed, affirming that he would return to Beirut before the expiration of the deadline set at Ibrahim's request.
