The Lebanese response to the announcement by Hamas in Lebanon regarding the launch of "The Vanguard of Al-Aqsa Flood" was swift and wide-reaching, with a consensus condemning this provocative declaration. At the same time, the confrontations in the south experienced a dramatic day yesterday, witnessing the first martyr of the Lebanese army in the Israeli aggression, Sergeant Abdul Karim Al-Maqdad.
Amid these field developments, political and diplomatic developments were accelerating, reflecting the urgency of the threats facing Lebanon due to Hezbollah's involvement in the Gaza war. Sources informed "Nada Al-Watan" that the director of French intelligence, Bernard Emie, who secretly visited Lebanon in recent days, conducted high-level communications. His visit was followed by a tour by the French presidential envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian. Emie's meetings included Presidents Nabih Berri and Najib Mikati, acting Director-General of General Security, Major General Elias Baissari, and the head of the Information Branch of the Internal Security Forces, Brigadier General Khaled Hamoud. He also met with a leadership figure from Hezbollah whose name was not disclosed. Notably, he did not meet with Army Commander Joseph Aoun due to considerations related to keeping the military institution neutral amid the complex internal situations.
What did the French intelligence director convey to the officials? Well-informed sources report that Emie addressed his hosts, saying: "The director of French intelligence told you in 1988 (when General Michel Aoun was the head of the military government) that Lebanon must head towards a solution and not destruction. And in 2023, I bring you an Israeli message that states any war with Lebanon will lead to its destruction."
Coincidentally, the news of the French official's visit to Lebanon coincided with a highly dangerous development represented by Hamas launching what it termed "The Vanguard of Al-Aqsa Flood." Information regarding Hamas's move indicated preparations for transferring the armed operations of this movement to Lebanon from Gaza in the event of a collapse in the ongoing war there. Amid broad internal condemnation and the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah denouncing Hamas's actions, there were warnings against dragging Lebanon into a conflagration reminiscent of the major fire in 1975. Additionally, the turmoil also threatens the Palestinian relations within the 12 camps spread across Lebanon. There was a strong emphasis on the necessity of nipping this blind sedition in the bud.
