The U.S. has issued a deadline for Lebanon to initiate negotiations with Israel, focusing on prisoner release, border disputes, and Israeli withdrawal. Lebanese officials, including Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, oppose normalization, leading to internal discord as Hezbollah supporters criticize negotiations. Moderates call for stability, while suggestions for integrating civilian experts into talks show attempts to balance the situation.
The U.S. has issued an ultimatum to Lebanon, demanding the establishment of civilian committees for negotiations with Israel by the end of the month. Deputy U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus conveyed a clear message to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam: refusal to engage could lead to the U.S. withdrawing from the oversight committee, allowing Israel more operational freedom.
The deadline set for initiating these talks is described as non-negotiable. The U.S. aims to expand the scope of discussions to include diplomatic issues beyond just military considerations. Key topics for proposed diplomatic working groups include:
1. Release of Lebanese prisoners.
2. Israeli withdrawal from five identified points along the border.
3. Resolution of remaining border disputes.
Despite the U.S. push, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji articulated that Lebanon opposes any form of normalization with Israel, asserting that the country will not engage in direct political negotiations.
The Lebanese government faces a challenging dilemma: the possibility of increased Israeli aggression against their refusal to negotiate contrasts with significant internal resistance to any form of normalization. On social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, vocal opposition from pro-Hezbollah and pro-Iran factions is prevalent, labeling Israel the “Zionist enemy” and condemning normalization as betrayal.
Campaigns such as لبنان_ضد_التطبيع (“Lebanon against normalization”) are gaining traction, with supporters emphasizing ongoing resistance as integral to Lebanese identity. Conversely, more moderate Lebanese citizens are expressing a desire for stability, with some criticizing Hezbollah’s influence over national decisions.
Speculation suggests that the Lebanese president might propose integrating civilian experts into military oversight talks, akin to previous maritime negotiations, attempting to strike a balance between rejecting and accepting U.S. proposals.
The U.S. ultimatum to Lebanon presents a significant dilemma for the Lebanese government, caught between U.S. pressures for negotiation with Israel and domestic opposition to normalization. While the U.S. seeks to broaden discussions beyond military issues, internal factions display strong resistance, advocating for continued hostility towards Israel. Amidst these tensions, the prospect of a negotiated solution appears complex, influenced heavily by Hezbollah’s dominant position in Lebanese politics and society.
Original Source: vinnews.com
