Confrontations on the southern front have escalated since U.S. President Joe Biden announced a ceasefire initiative last Friday that encompasses both the Gaza war and the south. Various areas in the southern region, which are relatively distant from the borders, have witnessed an unprecedented expansion of these confrontations, resulting in casualties and property destruction. In response, Hezbollah launched a series of operations that included several areas in northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, which coincided with fires ignited by the current heat wave. An Israeli Broadcasting Authority survey revealed that 55% of Israelis support expanding the confrontation with Hezbollah following the prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
This battlefield development coincided with the arrival of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani today in Beirut, marking his first foreign move since the assassination of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The Iranian official's agenda includes meetings with leaders and officials from the resistance axis, primarily Hezbollah. Bagheri stated the day before yesterday that his regional tour to Syria and Lebanon aims to consult for a serious and effective confrontation against the crimes of Zionists, as reported by the Iranian Mehr news agency.
Simultaneously, the Israeli army conducted military leadership exercises in the northern command as part of preparations for combat in the northern arena, according to Channel 13. The exercise involved regular and reserve officers at the Civil Defense headquarters from various arms and units, practicing scenarios simulating the expansion of war in the arena, in addition to multi-front warfare. Among other things, the 36th division practiced combat scenarios in the field. The visit of Chief of Staff Major General Herzl Halevi to the northern command was noted as part of the exercise.
Shifting from field conditions to political developments, a delegation from the Lebanese Forces Party began a visit to Qatar yesterday, which will last until next Thursday to represent party leader Samir Geagea in meetings with senior Qatari officials. The delegation includes MPs Pierre Abu Assi and Melhem Riachi, along with executive committee member Joseph Gebeili. Opposition sources told "Nidaa Al-Watan" that Qatar seeks to extricate Lebanon from the presidential vacancy phase, similar to France's efforts within the five-member committee.
In a related context, Democratic Gathering leader MP Taymur Jumblatt will start tomorrow a series of contacts aimed at proposing an initiative to address internal crises. The first stop will be at Hezbollah.
Sources from the gathering mentioned that the initiative addresses separating the presidency from Gaza and the south, adhering to the Taif Agreement, constitutional regulations, and acknowledging the realities of balance in the parliamentary council according to "Nidaa Al-Watan."
