Ekhbary News Agency | 2024-05-15
Lebanon remains embroiled in a contentious debate over the most effective path to resolve its ongoing crisis, navigating two competing strategies since Hezbollah's involvement in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began in late February. One faction advocates for relying on Iran's resolve to keep Lebanon integrated into its broader negotiations with the United States, even deeming it a prerequisite for continuing discussions. Conversely, the second path champions direct talks with Israel in Washington, with the fifth round anticipated this Tuesday evening.
Iran's Stance and Escalations
Iranian diplomatic statements consistently affirm Lebanon as an integral part of their memorandum of understanding with the US, highlighting Tehran's commitment to a strategy that, for what it's worth, appears to have successfully countered Israeli attempts to isolate Beirut internationally. Iran's envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, warned that his country would retaliate if Israel violated the understanding in any manner, including attacks on Lebanon and Hezbollah. Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Reji, however, insists that direct negotiations remain the sole avenue for securing stability and asserting state sovereignty across all Lebanese territories.
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Fragile Calm and Violations
Al Jazeera's correspondent in Beirut, Adham Abu Al-Husam, reports a complete absence of Israeli airstrikes or artillery shelling, attributed to a US request, save for warning projectiles from occupation drones aimed at hindering the cautious return of displaced families. Yet, Israel has seemingly persisted in undermining de-escalation efforts. Today, Israeli forces reportedly fired upon Lebanese citizens in Nabatieh Al-Fawqa, southern Lebanon, resulting in two fatalities and one injury, according to the Civil Defense. This incident is viewed as a blatant breach of the fragile ceasefire. This persistent divergence in approaches underscores Lebanon's precarious position, caught between powerful regional and international interests.
Washington Talks and Beirut's Conditions
A Lebanese delegation, led by former Ambassador Simon Karam, traveled to Washington for the fifth round of direct negotiations. The delegation carries strict sovereign recommendations from President Joseph Aoun, emphasizing full withdrawal of occupation forces, deployment of the national army, return of prisoners and displaced persons, and reconstruction. Lebanese officials stress these talks, which commenced in mid-April, are the only way to end the war, despite their limited success in establishing calm. Minister Reji reiterated his commitment to separating Lebanon's negotiations with Israel from the US-Iranian track, asserting that any decision concerning Lebanon rests solely with the Lebanese state.
