Lebanon Struggles to Leverage International Efforts for Resolution 1701

People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
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Lebanon Struggles to Leverage International Efforts for Resolution 1701

People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi
People ride a motorcycle near the site of an Israeli strike that destroyed an office used by Al-Mayadeen broadcaster, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Beirut suburbs, Lebanon October 24, 2024. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

The Paris Conference, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron to support Lebanon, has failed to resonate with local factions, especially Hezbollah and its allies.

They oppose calls for a presidential election and the implementation of UN resolution 1701 before achieving a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

An official told Asharq Al-Awsat that the only thing the Lebanese can do now is to immediately elect a president to outline a political roadmap, but this crucial step isn’t a priority for some.

The source, speaking under the conditions of anonymity, emphasized that the constitution gives the president sole authority to negotiate and sign international treaties, including resolution 1701.

This responsibility cannot be handed to anyone else.

The source also pointed out that Lebanon’s fate is currently in Iranian hands, which insists on a ceasefire before anything else. Iran has made it clear that it alone will negotiate the implementation of resolution 1701.

As political efforts for Lebanon have stalled, the French capital hosted a support conference attended by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Macron stressed the importance of electing a new president, stating that France is committed to preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and helping it navigate current challenges.

He called for peacekeeping measures along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel, saying that there is a need for a ceasefire, and it is in Lebanon’s interest to remain neutral.

Former lawmaker Fares Soaid remarked that “Lebanon’s political forces cannot engage positively with international initiatives as long as the decision-making power lies with Hezbollah and Iran.”

“We will not emerge from this war unless Hezbollah adopts a national vision that leads to handing over its weapons to the Lebanese state. This would be the most honorable move instead of waiting for international solutions to be imposed,” he added.

Soaid urged the party to accept state conditions and the National Accord Document, which protects everyone’s rights, rather than continuing a destructive war.

Mikati reiterated that a ceasefire in Lebanon “would open the door for a diplomatic process fully supported by the government.”

“This process aims to address security concerns along the southern border and disputes along the Blue Line,” added Mikati.

He stressed that “the current form of UN Security Council resolution 1701 must remain the foundation for stability and security in southern Lebanon, and its full implementation by Lebanon and Israel is essential for preserving Lebanon's sovereignty.”

Lebanese views on the post-war phase differ from global perspectives on the region’s future.

Soaid believes that Lebanese will struggle with the consequences of displacement just as regional post-war arrangements begin.



Trump Cites Progress on Gaza Hostage Talks

Trump Cites Progress on Gaza Hostage Talks
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Trump Cites Progress on Gaza Hostage Talks

Trump Cites Progress on Gaza Hostage Talks

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said progress was being made regarding the return of the hostages being held in Gaza and that he was dealing with both Israel and Hamas, but he gave no other details about the talks.

Israel resumed its war against Hamas in Gaza last month after an eight-week ceasefire collapsed. The ceasefire brought a much-needed reprieve from the fighting to war-weary Palestinians in Gaza and sent an infusion of humanitarian aid to the territory. It also led to the release of 25 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the return of the remains of eight others, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Mediators have since attempted to bring the sides to a bridging agreement that would again pause the war, free hostages and open the door for talks on the war's end, something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he won't agree to until Hamas is defeated. Hamas wants the war to end before it frees the remaining 59 hostages it holds, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.
The war, which was sparked by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, has seen the deadliest fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in their history. It has ignited a humanitarian crisis in already impoverished Gaza, and has sent shockwaves across the region and beyond.