- 16:45
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty is once again visiting Beirut to push forward the Egyptian initiative aimed at resolving the crisis between Lebanon and Israel. He cautions that the failure of this or any alternative proposal could push Lebanon toward further escalation and a potential military confrontation with Israel.
According to sources following the Egyptian efforts, Abdelatty outlined the initiative, which ultimately aims at the effective disarmament of Hezbollah.
The plan calls for the complete demilitarization of the area south of the Litani River, the removal of Hezbollah military infrastructure, and the prevention, by any means, of Hezbollah’s return to the region in a military capacity.
The initiative also requires Hezbollah’s leadership to issue a clear statement acknowledging the demilitarized status of the area of southern Litani, committing not to use any remaining weapons elsewhere, placing such weapons under the supervision of the Lebanese army, and refraining from any military or security activity across Lebanese territory.
The initiative further envisions the launch of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Although the initiative has been acknowledged by the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia, it appears unlikely to succeed. Israel has rejected it arguing that it does not fully neutralize Hezbollah’s arsenal. Iran and Hezbollah also oppose it, with Tehran tying the group’s fate to the outcomes of any potential negotiations with Washington.
Domestically, Hezbollah is unwilling to relinquish its weapons without substantial returns, even if Iran were to approve a deal. The group is expected to leverage any process to secure internal political gains, ensuring it maintains control over both political and military decision-making in Lebanon.
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