Lebanon fears after Netanyahu-Trump meeting: 'The cards could be reshuffled'

Diplomatic sources in Lebanon express concern over a possible Israeli-American agreement on a new target bank in the Middle East, following the Netanyahu-Trump meeting. According to them, Israel may perpetuate its presence in southern Lebanon and expand strikes. The Lebanese delegation is preparing for a round of talks in Rome on August 4.

Diplomatic sources in Lebanon have expressed concern over an agreement between Israel and the US on a new target bank in the Middle East, following the Netanyahu-Trump meeting. According to sources in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Jumhuriya, the framework agreement arrangements between Israel and Lebanon are becoming more complex due to Israeli refusal to continue withdrawing from southern Lebanon. The sources noted concern that Israel plans to perpetuate the current security reality and even expand strikes as part of a new war. The newspaper Al-Diyar quoted sources saying: 'We may witness the cards being reshuffled if war returns to the region. It is hard to believe that Israel will withdraw from southern Lebanon, especially when Hezbollah sticks to its position (refusing to disarm).' Meanwhile, the Lebanese delegation is preparing for the negotiation round in Rome on August 4, which will address military and technical issues, including implementation mechanisms for the agreement on test zones and verification of Hezbollah's disarmament, as well as discussion of the land border file.