International concern is growing regarding the expansion of the war in the south, evident through the visits of international envoys to Lebanon and their efforts to alleviate tensions in preparation for the implementation of Resolution 1701 in all its aspects. Following the visit by French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné, who met with both Nabih Berri and Najib Mikati, a high-level French delegation arrived in Beirut. This delegation included Frédéric Mendola, Director General for Political Affairs, Élis Ringo, Director General for Strategic Relations at the Ministry of Defense, Emmanuel Chouk, Deputy Director for North Africa and the Middle East at the Foreign Ministry, along with several advisors from the French Foreign and Defense Ministries. They also met with Berri and Mikati, focusing discussions on the implementation of Resolution 1701 and providing the Lebanese army with the necessary military equipment and gear to assist in its redeployment along the Blue Line, as mentioned in the electronic newspaper "Al-Anbaa".
Sources accompanying the French delegation conveyed to "Al-Anbaa" that there is a "sincere French desire to implement Resolution 1701, emphasizing France's readiness to provide the army with all the necessary weapons, equipment, and vehicles." The delegation listened to the demands of Lebanese officials, who stated that the resolution is being implemented from the Lebanese side.
Former MP Chamel Roukoz remarked in "Al-Anbaa" that the situation on the borders is "principally linked to the situation in Gaza, and this position remains unchanged. The ceasefire in Gaza affects the south, and the implementation of Resolution 1701 must be mutual from both the Lebanese and Israeli sides as the displacement occurred on both sides of the border." He argued that "what is needed is to respect the resolution and withdraw from the occupied Lebanese territories, from the sea to the Kfarshouba hills, and deploy international forces on both sides of the border."
Roukoz believed that the issue of equipping the army with arms and equipment from France "should be more effective in implementing Resolution 1701 on both sides of the border and putting an end to all maritime, land, and aerial violations by Israel." Commenting on the appointment of a Chief of Staff, Roukoz pointed out that "the appointment should occur with the presence of a President to sign the appointment decree, but in any case, appointing him is a fundamental and important matter for the continuity of the army's leadership, as no one can replace the army commander in his absence except the Chief of Staff. This should be a healthy step for the army since in this way we do not know when the presidential vacancy will end." He ruled out the election of a president in the near future, stating, "Some benefit from the vacancy and have a large number of ministers and are unbothered by the lack of a president."
Roukoz added, "If this situation does not disturb them, it actually disturbs all Lebanese people, the entire country, and all institutions," calling for a "presidential election at the earliest opportunity, as electing a president ensures that people can continue to live in a safe and healthy manner."
