An Arab diplomatic source confirmed that the presidential file remains in a state of waiting both locally and internationally, due to the sharp division among Lebanese political forces, the ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon, and the anticipation of the outcomes of the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and agreements on the truce and prisoner exchange, which will reflect on Lebanon as reported by "Al-Anbaa" Kuwaiti newspaper.
The source stated: "There is no dialogue or consultation. All initiatives and efforts are frozen until the external picture becomes clearer and until we assess its impact on the Lebanese scene. All meetings and gatherings among political parties are merely formalities, and the decision to elect a president is postponed, with two significant developments ahead before moving forward with the election process. First: Waiting for the results of the Palestinian-Israeli discussions, and second: The conduct of the U.S. elections, which are crucial for many issues in the Middle East, including Lebanon."
He added: "If the parliamentary blocs and those they represent can agree on a name for a presidential candidate—which is unlikely—then all external factors from Gaza to the U.S. elections can be bypassed, and dialogue and consultation can begin without delving into details. Lebanon will then truly be sovereign, free, and independent, commanding respect from all and deciding its fate without external help or interference, which is what the Lebanese and their Arab brothers hope for."
He concluded: "The solution starts from Lebanon and is then projected externally, not the other way around."
A source following the presidential file commented to "Al-Anbaa": "It is essential to read the changes following U.S. President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, as he is known to have deep disagreements with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu. Will he be free from the pressures faced by any U.S. presidential candidate from the Zionist lobby, or will he align with the stance the Congress adopts regarding the Israeli Prime Minister, who is delivering his fourth speech before a joint session of the House and Senate, an occurrence not repeated with any other global figure?" According to "Al-Anbaa" Kuwaiti newspaper.
