Carole Salloum, "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency

Israeli Message Sent Ahead of Ortagus' Visit...

Renewed strike on southern suburbs unlikely amid U.S. pressure

For the first time since the ceasefire agreement on November 27, strikes have resumed in the southern suburbs, causing panic and raising speculation about whether this attack was an isolated incident or a prelude to further escalation following the developments in the south.

What is certain is that this strike sent a clear message to Hezbollah, the Lebanese state, and the Lebanese army. It also prompted an immediate response, with President Joseph Aoun leading diplomatic efforts from Paris, where he met with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Meanwhile, senior Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, engaged in urgent consultations.

According to well-informed political sources, this Israeli strike raises questions about whether attacks targeting southern Lebanon will now extend to the southern suburbs, or if the strike on the Jamous area in Hadath was an isolated event. These developments have unfolded just before the visit of Deputy Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, whose mission includes monitoring the ceasefire agreement and ensuring that the Lebanese army fulfills its designated role under the agreement.

The same sources, speaking to "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, emphasized that Lebanon’s official stance was reaffirmed during the tripartite presidential meeting between President Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. They reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to UN Resolution 1701, the necessity of a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and the readiness of the Lebanese army to assume full responsibility for border security in line with internationally recognized boundaries, ensuring national sovereignty, protecting the people of the south, and maintaining stability.

The president has also called on the agreement’s guarantors, particularly the United States and France, to intervene in securing the full cessation of hostilities against Lebanon, halting Israeli violations, and compelling Israel to complete its withdrawal from occupied positions.

Sources indicate that this latest escalation in the southern suburbs may necessitate renewed diplomatic and political engagement, alongside intensified security efforts by Lebanese agencies. The recent security appointments were made with this objective in mind.

Additionally, the sources note that dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, including its weapons, rockets, and drones, is explicitly outlined in the ceasefire agreement. This will likely lead to increased pressure on the group. However, they argue that a repeat of the latest Israeli aggression remains unlikely due to external, particularly American, pressure. Nonetheless, Lebanon must take proactive internal measures, including engaging in dialogue with Hezbollah regarding its arsenal.

In conclusion, Lebanon remains steadfast in asserting its sovereignty over its entire territory and continues to demand the full implementation of the ceasefire through the Lebanese military’s technical committee and the tripartite coordination mechanism outlined in the agreement.