A car carrying displaced people on the way back to southern Lebanon.

These dimensions moved to the forefront following the US Iran negotiations in Switzerland, where the two sides agreed, according to a Qatari-Pakistani statement, to establish a working group to prevent escalation. The group would include both parties and the Lebanese Republic, with facilitation by the mediators, to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations in the country, as stipulated in the memorandum of understanding. International communication channels then moved quickly toward Lebanon to brief its leadership on the progress that had been achieved.

President Joseph Aoun promptly welcomed the idea of forming a committee to ensure a comprehensive ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal during a phone call he received from US Vice President JD Vance, senior adviser to the US President Jared Kushner, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. He stated that this proposal does not conflict with the Lebanese Israeli negotiations taking place in Washington and is instead being coordinated with the US Department of State.

However, sources familiar with the discussions stressed that the idea of establishing such a committee remains at the stage of ongoing discussions and proposals. Its primary role and the countries that would participate in it have not yet been determined. President Aoun subsequently briefed both Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on the details of the three-way call, including discussions on securing and maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, halting Israeli military escalation, and the steps required to achieve these objectives, including the possibility of creating a committee for that purpose.

Later, the President clarified that while he welcomes any assistance aimed at ending the war, there is a distinction between assistance and interference in internal affairs, because Lebanon is a sovereign country and no one negotiates on its behalf.

In a new statement regarding Lebanon, US Vice President JD Vance declared that the United States is putting in place a mechanism for the disarmament of Hezbollah while working to safeguard both Israel’s security and Lebanon’s sovereignty. He added that a mechanism has been established to monitor and enforce the ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and that Hezbollah is expected to cease its attacks. He also indicated that Iran is expected to restrain Hezbollah and curb its actions.

Lebanese Diplomatic Efforts

Annahar's correspondent in Washington reported that Lebanon's Ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, has intensified her diplomatic activities and political contacts in Washington since the announcement of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. These efforts are part of the Lebanese state's initiative, led by President Joseph Aoun, to ensure Lebanon's official participation in any discussions, consultations, or agreements concerning its future or affecting its internal situation.

According to informed sources, Ambassador Mouawad stressed during her meetings with US officials that the Lebanese state must be a key partner in any process related to Lebanon. She emphasized that any approach to Lebanese issues requires direct coordination with President Aoun and must respect Lebanon's sovereignty and the independence of its national decision making.

The sources added that these efforts have helped strengthen the level of communication and engagement between the US administration and President Aoun. This reflects a growing conviction within the US administration that any arrangements or understandings related to Lebanon cannot succeed without a direct partnership with the Lebanese state and its constitutional institutions.

The Situation on the Ground

On the Israeli side, while calm continued to prevail across southern Lebanon for a second consecutive day, Israeli media reports indicated expectations that the Israeli military would reduce its forces in southern Lebanon in the coming days after completing most of its offensive missions. This development coincides with the meeting scheduled this week between the Israeli and Lebanese negotiating delegations.

A source quoted by the reports said that the Israeli military would be required to carry out a partial withdrawal from the Yellow Line in Lebanon. The source added that the Lebanese Army would operate in areas vacated by Israel under US supervision. According to the source, the Israeli and Lebanese negotiating teams will determine during their talks which pilot areas will be transferred to the control of the Lebanese Army.

Israeli media also quoted an official as saying that Washington is showing understanding toward Israel’s position regarding Lebanon. The official added that the Israeli military is considering allowing the Lebanese Army to take control of a Hezbollah tunnel complex.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that Israeli forces will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect residents of northern Israel and Israeli citizens. He stated that the instructions issued by him and the Minister of Defense to the Israeli military are clear and unchanged.

Netanyahu added that Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon retain complete freedom of action to prevent any direct or potential threat against themselves or against residents of northern Israel. He stressed that there are no restrictions on Israeli military operations within this framework, adding that he fully supports the armed forces and that the entire Israeli public supports them as well.

A student sit-in in front of the government serail demanding the cancellation of official examinations. (Nabil Ismail)