Apart from the atmosphere of mutual threats and warnings, the U.S. State Department expressed the belief that "reaching an agreement on border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel is still possible." This comes alongside the Lebanese side, represented by Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab, receiving the official Israeli response to Lebanese comments via U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein. Sources following the issue informed "Nidaa Al-Watan" that "rapid external communications and interventions occurred in recent hours with both Lebanon and Israel to reduce tension and negativity between the two sides." The sources clarified that "Washington has clearly assured officials from both sides of its determination to finalize the demarcation file." Additionally, "French reassurances were conveyed to Lebanese officials indicating that the high-pitched Israeli rhetoric is purely for electoral purposes and that things are not as bad as portrayed by Israeli media. The focus for Lebanon at this stage should be on exercising restraint and being patient."
In a related context, official Lebanese sources confirmed to "Nidaa Al-Watan" that "the atmosphere has somewhat calmed down, and the demarcation file has not been closed or concluded, but requires further consultations to finalize some precise technical details in consultation with the U.S. mediator." They added, "The completion of the demarcation agreement may take some time, but no one has an interest in 'derailing' it, especially given the strong American desire to finalize this agreement for the stability it brings to the region." They emphasized that "Lebanon is currently reviewing the Israeli response carefully; if it touches on the essence of the agreement proposed in the American offer, this would necessitate a meeting at the level of the three presidents to determine the stance. However, if it pertains to specific technical details, it will be referred to the technical committee for study and necessary reporting."
