In Lebanon they fear escalation: the battle for the day after Hezbollah is not over

Official, security, and political figures in Lebanon fear an escalation with Israel, especially in the period before the elections in Israel. According to reports in the newspaper "Al-Nahar," efforts are underway in Beirut to harden red lines vis-à-vis Israel ahead of military talks. Meanwhile, Israel continues ground operations in southern Lebanon and pressures the Lebanese government to advance measures against Hezbollah infrastructure.

Official, security, and political figures in Lebanon fear a possible escalation with Israel, especially in the period before the elections in Israel. According to a report in the Lebanese newspaper "Al-Nahar," efforts are underway in Beirut to harden "red lines" vis-à-vis Israel ahead of the next round of military talks in Tampa. The newspaper notes that Israel continues to conduct ground operations alongside the negotiation track, thereby pressuring the Lebanese government to advance measures against Hezbollah infrastructure. The website "Al-Modon" published an analysis suggesting that Israel is considering creating a security reality in southern Lebanon reminiscent of security mechanisms in the Golan or Sinai. Options include creating a "gray line" at a depth of about four to five kilometers from the Blue Line, alongside deeper areas with special security arrangements. Israel seeks a direct coordination mechanism with the Lebanese army under American auspices, without reliance on a significant international force. Lebanon rejects this possibility and is working to establish a new international mechanism to replace UNIFIL. The publication adds that Beirut intends to formulate a detailed proposal for the future international force and a mechanism to ensure the dismantling of Hezbollah infrastructure and an Israeli withdrawal. This will require American support and a Security Council resolution. Washington may again threaten sanctions against political figures and senior officials in Lebanese security institutions if sufficient progress on disarmament is not seen. The Lebanese army continues to emphasize that it seeks to expand state control without being drawn into an internal confrontation with Hezbollah.