Regardless of the effectiveness of the French role, the arrival of Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné in Beirut yesterday, as part of a tour that will lead him to Saudi Arabia and possibly other countries, including Israel, coincides with an increase in anti-war mobilization in Tel Aviv to proceed with one of the most dangerous conspiracies of the reckless war that Israel has launched against Gaza. This war has now entered its 202nd day, amidst concerns about its repercussions on Lebanon, particularly regarding the expanding southern war and the possibility of implementing Resolution 1701. President Najib Mikati revealed that "a review of the French paper is underway, which will likely be delivered to the French minister today if completed, in an attempt to establish security and safety in the south."
However, the most alarming development was communicated to "Al-Lawaa" by a political official quoting a senior military leader in the resistance axis, indicating that an invasion of Rafah could serve as the spark igniting a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. According to this military leader, the equation becomes as follows: the southern front to support the fronts of Gaza and Rafah.
Diplomatically, prior to his arrival in Beirut, Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib met with the French Ambassador to Lebanon Hervé Magro, discussing the visit, agenda, and timings. In this context, a French diplomatic source indicated that the efforts in Beirut and Tel Aviv aim to secure a commitment from both sides engaged in the conflict, Israel and Hezbollah, not to violate Resolution 1701, to restore calm and stability along the Lebanese-Israeli borders.
Additionally, it has been reported that top American mediator Amos Hochstein is holding talks in Tel Aviv to reach a diplomatic path that would end the ceasefire violations across the border between Israel and Lebanon. Therefore, while awaiting a regional resolution, whether through the broadening of the war or moving towards a "long-term ceasefire," the presidential file is likely to see a downturn, and any activities in this area will be merely symbolic.
