In this context, a diplomatic source told Annahar that there are concerns the current period may be nothing more than a lull before the return of a devastating war. The source said that if Benjamin Netanyahu wins the next elections, he is likely to press ahead with what he sees as a plan to eliminate Hezbollah. As a result, the source believes the resumption of war would become more likely.

Positions

Regarding the continuation of the negotiations, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the announcement that the next round of Lebanese-Israeli talks, mediated by the United States, will be held in the Italian capital, Rome.

He said, "Rome is a meeting place for peace and dialogue. Last April, we informed the Lebanese and Israeli governments of Italy's readiness to support the path of dialogue for peace and to host the negotiations." He added, "The choice of Rome reflects the diplomatic efforts made by our government, its trusted and active role on the international stage, and its ongoing commitment to supporting stability and dialogue between the parties."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also announced that the next round of talks with Lebanon will take place in Rome next week. During a joint press conference in Jerusalem with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, Sa'ar said, "Less than two weeks ago, Israel, Lebanon, and the United States reached a historic framework agreement. These talks are scheduled to continue next week in Rome, Italy." Wadephul, for his part, said that Hezbollah is the cause of all Lebanon's problems.

Arnaud in Israel

Against this backdrop, the Acting United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jean Arnaud, began an official visit to Israel yesterday. He is scheduled to meet senior Israeli officials for discussions on the importance of consolidating the cessation of hostilities and implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Aoun and Jumblatt

Domestically, while President Joseph Aoun stressed that he would never accept anyone negotiating on Lebanon's behalf under any circumstances, arguing that Lebanon's sovereignty requires the political leadership to make its decisions independently, he said, "Unfortunately, there is currently a faction in Lebanon whose choices differ from those of the majority of the Lebanese people. It is subject to Iranian influence, seeks to replace the state, and negotiates in its name."

At the same time, former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, launched a strong criticism of the agreement. He explained that although he had always supported the principle of negotiations, he believes the current version of the agreement does not lead to a ceasefire and therefore fails to achieve its intended objective.

Jumblatt also criticized the content of the agreement, noting that all international treaties include a clear provision on the principle of withdrawal, whereas, in his view, the framework agreement contains no such provision. He argued that this reflects the fact that the file has been handled by individuals who lack the necessary legal expertise.

Jumblatt said, "The framework agreement is a one-sided arrangement imposed by Israel on a Lebanese team, both inside and outside the country, with limited experience in law and diplomacy."