In a manner reminiscent of the "traditional" style familiar to Lebanese during periods of war or times of "half war, half peace," when battle fronts intensified violently ahead of visits by foreign envoys, particularly Americans, an intense and fiery confrontation unfolded yesterday between Israel and Hezbollah. This included focused attacks by Hezbollah on critical military targets of the Israelis, while Israeli drone operations targeted key leaders in the Islamic group in the dangerous depths of Western Bekaa, according to "An-Nahar."
It was challenging to separate this escalation from its timing, coinciding with a new advanced attempt by French diplomacy aimed primarily at cooling tensions along Lebanon's southern border with Israel. French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné begins a new tour today starting from Beirut, leading him to Saudi Arabia and Israel. This tour is expected to clarify the outcome of the French plan presented to both Lebanon and Israel to restore calm and halt confrontations in the south based on a proposed three-phase mechanism for recommitting to the implementation of Resolution 1701.
Another notable factor emerged last night with the revelation that the senior adviser to the American president, Amos Hochstein, is in Israel. According to reports, Hochstein discussed with Israeli officials the pathway that could lead to a diplomatic solution ending the gunfire across the Lebanese-Israeli border. Meanwhile, Séjourné aims to de-escalate the situation along the southern border and prevent a widespread explosion, as Israel threatens amidst rising French concerns about this possibility, which French officials have been publicly expressing continuously.
Recently, there has been a notable intensity in diplomatic communication aimed at preventing any Israeli attack on Lebanon, amid a renewed focus on the French initiative despite the proliferation of mediators, reflecting France's importance placed on Lebanon. This was highlighted in disclosures by Prime Minister Najib Mikati regarding aspects of his visit to Paris during a cabinet session held yesterday.
In the official information shared regarding the session, Mikati addressed the situation in the south, noting, "Despite all the destructive assaults suffered by our people in the south for over two hundred days due to Israeli aggression, the increasing number of martyrs and victims, the burning of crops, and the environmental massacres, the barbarity of killing continues to escalate as if we have become an open field for aggression. We highly appreciate the efforts of Lebanon’s friends from leaders and international authorities to find solutions to the Lebanese situation."
He again addressed the presidential file, stating, "As a government, we continue to work with faith and stubbornness, away from the luxury of power and political maneuvering, to expedite the election of a president. We confirm that fulfilling our national and constitutional duties in these exceptional and difficult circumstances, where citizens are in desperate need of essential services, particularly healthcare and security, is a national and moral responsibility we will not neglect."
He expressed gratitude to the ambassadors of the Quint group "for their efforts and love for Lebanon. However, we all need to rise to the level of love for this homeland." He clarified that he visited Paris and met with President Emmanuel Macron, "We discussed the situation in the south, the Syrian refugees' file, the presidency elections, and military assistance. The atmosphere of the meeting was positive, and there is an understanding of what we presented. A conference to support the military will be held soon at the invitation of Italy and France."
He added, "Regarding the south, there was a French paper proposed for discussion, and Lebanon responded to it, concluding that we do not want any matters raised outside the framework of implementing Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's readiness to implement it. Work is currently underway to reconsider the French paper, which will soon be delivered to Lebanon to examine it, and God willing, matters will take a positive turn towards establishing security and safety, which is what we desire."
The implementation of Resolution 1701 will be the sole focus of a broad gathering today in Maarab for opposition groups and independent MPs participating in it. MP Ghassan Hasbani from the "Strong Republic" bloc clarified that the meeting will focus on the complete implementation of Resolution 1701 as issued by the United Nations and the steps to be taken in this regard. He pointed out that "participants are supporters of Resolution 1701 amid the turmoil on the Lebanese borders and demand the establishment of legal authority in Lebanese territories to elevate the voice of a large group of Lebanese before the Lebanese and international public."
He added: "The meeting signals the intention of participants to propose ideas to avoid instability, expanded destruction, displacement, and assassinations in Lebanon." Hasbani emphasized that the Maarab meeting would not address the presidential issue or the Syrian refugee file, adding that "consultations are underway to form a front that may resemble the March 14 coalition but apart from the Maarab meeting tomorrow," as per "An-Nahar."
