In anticipation of field developments linked to negotiations led by the United States to implement Resolution 1701 to de-escalate the dispute over Lebanon's southern borders, diplomatic sources revealed to "Nidaa el-Watan" that Hezbollah, through the Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and others, recently communicated to the Quintet and diplomatic circles that they are willing to implement Resolution 1701. However, they refuse to execute the resolution under an authority that opposes them. Instead, they demand a governing body that guarantees they won't withdraw from South Litani while facing a presidential authority that may stab them in the back. They are asking for political reassurances in exchange for implementing Resolution 1701.
This information coincided with a statement from Samir Geagea, the head of the Lebanese Forces party, who remarked that the presidency is not a consolation prize, neither in terms of the internal situation nor regarding strategic equations. He added, "The implementation of 1701 has no connection to the presidential position, neither closely nor remotely." Lebanon has also been informed again of the intention of Benjamin Netanyahu's government to open the Lebanese front and carry out military operations against Hezbollah. Messages have reached official channels indicating that the pressure exerted by Western countries on Israel has so far failed to eliminate the possibility of Israel engaging in an open war with Lebanon.
