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.
