The Lebanese state has turned into a mediator between the West and Hezbollah in ongoing negotiations, seeking to prevent the escalation of the war in the South, as reported by "Asharq Al-Awsat." This reality is reflected in the political movement and meetings held by Western delegations with Lebanese officials. In the absence of a president with the authority to negotiate, this task is shared by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, with some parties such as Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab also involved, as they all become a link between these entities and Hezbollah.
Both Lebanese Forces MP Razi al-Haj and MP Ashraf Rifi agree that the Lebanese state is not only a mediator between decisive states and Hezbollah today, but rather a hostage in the hands of the latter, relying on the ongoing negotiations to change this reality and implement international resolutions, primarily Resolution 1701 and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
While opponents of the party criticize Hezbollah's control over the state's decision-making, Lebanese officials do not deny this reality; rather, they deal with it as a given, awaiting changes in regional and international dynamics. This is clearly reflected in their response to developments since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, where caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati explicitly stated that the decision of war and peace is not in the government's hands, reaffirming that Hezbollah is handling the matter rationally.
