according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency, amid recent tensions surrounding the U.S. proposed document for Lebanon-presented several weeks ago and which prominently demands a swift disarmament of the resistance-Lebanon has formally responded. The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar analyzed in its editorial details of America’s reaction to Beirut’s reply, stating that lebanon stands today at a critical juncture in its political history.
America’s Threatening Response to Lebanon
Calls for consensus-based formulas aimed at preventing Lebanon from descending into complete chaos have intensified.Simultaneously occurring, debate continues over whether Lebanon’s priorities or those imposed by Washington should take precedence.
This question arose after Nabih Berri,Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament,received an official and final U.S. response last Friday afternoon regarding Lebanon’s reply. The Americans insisted that their response was non-negotiable and unchangeable: Beirut must either accept it or face consequences.
Prominent sources told Al-Akhbar that Tom Barrack’s draft-which largely reflects Washington’s stance-shares principles with Lebanon’s proposal but rearranges them decidedly so that disarmament takes absolute priority. According to this American document, Hezbollah’s disarmament is basic and effectively a precondition for all other points. subsequent negotiations would then proceed under oversight from countries dubbed as guarantors of the ceasefire agreement with Israel concerning disputed issues and border delineations between Lebanon and both occupied Palestine and Syria.
following that would be discussions on halting Israeli aggressions toward Lebanon; Israel withdrawing from occupied areas in southern Lebanon; releasing Lebanese prisoners; reconstructing the country; and extending aid aimed at overcoming its economic crisis.
Thus, faced with this U.S.-submitted document, Lebanon confronts two competing narratives: one articulated by President Joseph Aoun on Army Day addressing a ministerial statement aligned with Lebanese interests-and another reflecting America’s agenda which incorporates Israeli interests beyond what was agreed upon in past ceasefire accords.
The pressing question occupying Lebanese circles today is: Which agenda will Beirut consider-the national plan or America’s imposed framework?
The Difficult Position of Joseph Aoun Amid U.S. Pressure and Internal Considerations
Informed sources told Al-Akhbar Hezbollah and Amal movement representatives held off-the-record meetings with President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam where they signaled there is no intent to impose strict deadlines for disarmament but rather emphasize government exclusivity over arms as stated in ministerial declarations.
the sources added multiple proposals aim primarily at lowering national tension-including transferring authority over arms matters to the Supreme Defense Council (SDC). However,some parties warned President Aoun against this shift because it places sole responsibility on him while limiting his maneuverability.Moreover, ceding arms issues entirely to SDC risks stripping political leverage since such cases lose their established political frameworks.
As an option approach surfaced calls for forming a military committee tasked specifically with reviewing armaments files alongside setting mechanisms and delivery deadlines before returning recommendations back for Cabinet decision-making-thus granting additional time to manage these sensitive matters prudently.
reports indicate recent exchanges focus along two parallel channels: one among President aoun, Prime Minister salam, and Speaker Berri seeking consensus-and another linking Baabda Palace directly with Hezbollah leadership.
al-Akhbar learned close associates of Joseph Aoun met Hezbollah officials discussing proposed scenarios as well as forecasting outcomes expected during today’s meetings.
Hezbollah Takes Clear Stance Against American Schemes
Sourced information confirms ministers affiliated with Hezbollah plus Amal Movement will participate in today’s Cabinet session readying their perspectives openly within government settings.
Concurrently various consultations persist involving prominent politicians including former prime ministers such as Najib Mikati attempting formulation combining sovereign demands alongside national security imperatives.
Nevertheless concerns persist suspicions remain high about whether this session might ultimately be a trap aiming pressure on Hezbollah-Amal factions into decisions tied strictly by imposed timelines-with heightened pushes following thereafter insisting rapid resistance disarmament.
This prospect gains traction especially amid strong lobbying by pro-Western Lebanese blocs such as the Lebanese Forces Party and Kataeb Party demanding firm timetables set explicitly toward dismantling Hezbollah arms swiftly.
Ahead of today’s government discussion focused on resistance weapons,
a delegation representing Hezbollah including Ali fayyad & Raed Berro visited former president Michel Aoun privately at his residence discussing current developments especially pertaining implementation status surrounding ceasefire agreements.
< p > Informed sources report
the delegation reaffirmed commitment toward UN Resolution 1701 reminding Michel Aoun all evidence confirms alleged guarantors responsible under ceasefire accords failed fulfilling obligations while simultaneously refusing now any guarantees linked specifically conditioning resistance disarmament.
They questioned who could realistically assure Israel wouldn’t violate sovereignty again once resistance weapons are surrendered?
< p >The party also underscored key principles championed recently by sitting President Joseph Aoun regarding Israeli withdrawal,release of detained Lebanese prisoners,< b r/>cessation of Israeli violations against parts[of]Lebanon,and reconstruction activities highlighting that
disarming remains an internal matter necessitating dialog governed carefully through strategies protecting national interests facing external threats.
< p >Sources further disclosed discussions during meeting between Hizbollah delegates & Michel Aoun covered syrian developments – notably recent incidents near Suwayda area – plus consequent repercussions impacting certain northern regions inside Lebanon described collectively as alarming.< br />
Michel A oun reportedly remarked
“It concerns purely hezbollah’s own weaponry which they alone comprehend how best handled.”
< p >He also cautioned continued Israeli transgressions towards
Lebanese territory whilst warning US ambitions seek controlling both
Lebanese-Syrian coastline exploiting arab water resources
for self-benefit.
