The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has indeed entered into force, but Lebanese officials are already warning that the road to its full implementation is fraught with obstacles. A Lebanese source told the newspaper Ad-Diyar that the understandings reached had created an initial framework that could be translated into action on the ground, but that Hezbollah's opposition and continued Israeli strikes could jeopardize their implementation.
According to the source, Lebanon continues to adhere to the negotiating track taking place in Washington, despite the difficulties. The latest round of talks, he said, created a new reality that is meant to serve as the basis for a broader agreement, which would ultimately lead to the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces troops from southern Lebanon.
The source also addressed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's firm stance toward Iran and Hezbollah, arguing that it stemmed in part from Tehran's interference in Lebanon's internal affairs and Hezbollah's attempts to undermine the diplomatic negotiations.
On the other hand, a source identified with Lebanon's Shiite camp criticized the contacts taking place in Washington, saying they had failed to halt Israel's military activity. "The situation has only deteriorated," he said, adding that the channel conducted through Pakistan between Tehran and Washington was the only track that could lead to a solution.
The source further claimed that the exchange of messages between Iran and the US dealt not only with the ceasefire, but also with the issue of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the future of the area south of the Litani River.
Meanwhile, sources in Lebanon said Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri was working in recent days to formulate a new road map for a ceasefire through contacts with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt. According to the report, Berri was trying to advance additional mediation channels, including one through Pakistan, which serves as a liaison between Washington and Tehran.
