As President General Joseph Aoun returns from significant discussions in the Vatican and Rome, Italy remains in the spotlight with the scheduled visit of Army Commander General Rudolf Heikal next week. This visit will build on the President's discussions, focusing on supporting the Lebanese army, verifying weapons removal in Southern Lebanon, and Italy's role in a potential new force following the end of the UNIFIL mission.
Amid ongoing airstrikes and bombings in southern towns, a surprising statement emerged from Mahmoud Qomati, a member of Hezbollah's political council. He suggested that Hezbollah has not completely closed the door on direct communication with the Americans, stating that such a decision would depend on their interests and suitable circumstances.
A political source told "An-Nahar" that Qomati's statement is a direct message to the Americans. It indicates that Hezbollah realizes its political and military power isn't what it used to be and may no longer suffice for managing Lebanon according to Iranian interests. Recent political and security events underscore this shift.
The source further noted that Hezbollah, aware of the irreversible path towards negotiation pursued by Lebanese authorities, seeks to gain advantages offsetting its ongoing losses on the ground and in politics. This intent might be the core of Hezbollah's outreach to the U.S., especially after previously accusing the presidency and government of "high treason" for entering direct negotiations with Israel under American mediation.