- 17:20
Western diplomatic sources have noted that international and regional focus on Lebanon has shifted toward the Palestinian and Syrian issues. This was particularly evident during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where attention to Syria and Palestine prevented a meeting between President Joseph Aoun and French President Emmanuel Macron, whose schedule was dominated by these matters, leaving no time to discuss the Lebanese crisis.
For now, concerned countries have decided to maintain an observer role, while leaving the Lebanese authorities to address outstanding issues, primarily the consolidation of weapons under state control. Their first point of interest will be the army’s initial report, expected in the coming days, on the progress of the weapons consolidation plan.
This shift does not indicate a withdrawal of support for Lebanon. Rather, aid is being directed to where it best serves international objectives. In this context, France, in coordination with Saudi Arabia and the US, is seeking to organize a conference to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
The date and location of the conference have not yet been set, but it has already received broad Arab and international backing. Intensive discussions are underway to finalize logistical and operational details before any public announcement. Western diplomatic sources emphasized that supporting the Lebanese army is important, particularly as international forces in the south face setbacks due to the US reduction in UN contributions. This cut will affect UNIFIL forces south of the Litani by reducing personnel and limiting land and sea patrols, hampering their ability to implement Resolution 1701 and the latest ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese army will need additional personnel and equipment to fill the gap left by these reduced operations.
It is clear that the international community will not be lenient with Lebanon or its authorities regarding the implementation of the weapons monopoly. Hezbollah is expected to take pragmatic decisions to pull itself and the country out of this dark tunnel, rather than continue pushing Lebanon toward self-destruction.
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