There are indications in Beirut regarding the activation of the Qatari envoy's mission concerning the presidential crisis, coinciding with the anticipated truce in Gaza and its implications for southern Lebanon, which would allow political forces to focus on issues that have been sidelined since the "Flood of Al-Aqsa" operation. Informed sources revealed that there will be a visit by Qatari officials to Lebanon away from the media, with a very limited agenda of meetings, to resume discussions on the presidential file and the expected vacancy in the leadership of the army.
The newspaper "Al-Akhbar" learned that political discussions in the background have not ceased even amidst the war and the escalation on the southern front; some believed it was essential to move towards a solution in such exceptional circumstances, preempting any scenario the country might face, particularly the potential expansion of the war. In this context, prominent sources disclosed that the caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who visited Doha about a month ago, urged Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to resume Qatari mediation and to send an envoy from Doha to Beirut again. Information circulated that “the Prime Minister’s request was coordinated with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.”
At that time, the Qataris did not show any objection, despite the ongoing war in Gaza and the volatile situation in Lebanon. However, the involved parties sensed from Qatari officials that they were proceeding cautiously, aware of the sensitive timing, especially since the most influential party in the Lebanese arena, Hezbollah, might not be inclined to discuss any political file while focusing on the southern front, Palestine’s internal situation, and regional developments. "Al-Akhbar" learned that "Qatari communication occurred with officials in the party to gauge their opinion on the benefit of a Qatari delegation attending and resuming the presidential round, without receiving an encouraging response."
However, two weeks after this information, there is narrow circulation regarding the presence of a Qatari envoy, though it remains unconfirmed whether it is “Abu Fahad” Jassim Al Thani or another figure, especially since "the movement being undertaken is shrouded in secrecy." Sources pointed out that "Doha remains committed to moving away from the presidential options that were previously discussed and towards consensual names, such as the acting director-general of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Elias Bechara," but at the same time, it is also working on "resolving the army leadership crisis by trying to convince political forces to extend the term of Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, who is one of its presidential candidates."
The visit coincides with a statement from the French presidential envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, indicating in a conversation with "France Info" that he will return to Lebanon soon, as the country is Arab and involved in the recent positioning. He noted that he is not reassured about the situation in Lebanon due to the recent events in the Middle East, stating, “War is knocking on Lebanon's doors, there is no president, and the parliament does not convene,” stressing “the need to abandon the mentality of competition and elect a president.”
Political sources confirmed that “no official entity in Lebanon has been notified of Le Drian’s upcoming visit, nor does its agenda include any meetings in this regard,” expressing surprise at “the current efforts to reach a presidential settlement, which would be extremely difficult to achieve at this stage.” While sources believed that “the current circumstances necessitate the election of a president and moving towards a settlement among political forces,” they “doubted that any political force would back down from its position or make a breakthrough in principle and accept a third option, while the entire region stands on the brink of a volcano and everyone is waiting to see which direction events will take, with each party possibly clinging more to its demands than ever before.”
