Are the circumstances and developments in the region leading toward settlements? The interests of influential international powers in the Middle East are becoming increasingly complex, especially given the American focus on the upcoming elections, which will take precedence over other issues. Similarly, in Europe, the aftermath of the EU elections, where the far right gained prominence, is noteworthy, culminating in the French elections where President Emmanuel Macron's coalition was defeated by the far right. This is all happening amidst Europe’s overarching concern regarding the Russian war on Ukraine, as reported by "Al-Modon".
In the region, attention also turns to the Iranian elections and the anticipation of its second round, following a first round where reformists showed significant progress. However, the results of the second round are awaited. If a reformist candidate wins, it would indicate Iran's intention to pursue closer ties with international powers and regional forces.
Amidst all these international and regional preoccupations, attention remains focused on the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli war. There is mounting pressure to halt the extensive war, to which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded by shifting to a strategy of targeted strikes instead of continuing the large-scale ground war. This would mean declaring an incomplete victory, which will have major repercussions on the Israeli interior while Netanyahu seeks to maintain a state of war while withdrawing from certain areas of the Strip, keeping it divided into northern and southern sections, and continuing control over the Philadelphi Route along with the Nitzanim Route.
### Hochstein in Paris
In light of these developments, Lebanon remains involved in all ongoing international and regional negotiations, especially with an anticipated German delegation set to visit Beirut to follow up on last week’s visit by the German Foreign Minister. This delegation is expected to meet with Hezbollah to discuss the situation along the southern borders and ways to de-escalate tensions, in addition to discussing how to ensure the continued operation of UNIFIL and enhance the role of the Lebanese Army.
The southern file will be at the forefront in Paris during the visit of U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, who will meet with French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian. Some reports from Beirut indicate that Qatar, after a U.S. request, has entered the fray in seeking a settlement and de-escalation to avoid an extensive war between Hezbollah and Israel.
### The Party's Response
Both external and internal inquiries focus on how Hezbollah will respond to the developments, particularly following Israel's transition to the third phase of its war on Gaza, and whether the party will reduce its operations against the Israelis to pave the way for negotiations concerning border arrangements.
Hezbollah has not provided any official response thus far, but it responds to threats with threats and to de-escalation with de-escalation, as it does not wish to be more royalist than the king. It will observe the situation in Gaza and how Hamas deals with the developments to inform its actions moving forward.
In this context, regional and international atmospheres indicate that the party has given positive signals regarding its readiness for discussion and dialogue, particularly as operational signals have emerged through reduced and diminishing operations between the party and the Israelis, according to "Al-Modon".
