Lebanon has welcomed Egypt’s new diplomatic initiative aimed at halting Israeli attacks and restoring stability, as Egyptian intelligence chief Major General Hassan Mahmoud Rashad met with Lebanon’s top leaders in Beirut to convey a message of support from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The move underscores Cairo’s renewed engagement in mediating regional tensions and reinforcing calm along Lebanon’s southern border.
Rashad delivered Sisi’s message to President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The meetings focused on efforts to de-escalate tensions with Israel and on Lebanon’s broader security and political situation.
The visit coincided with that of Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who said after meeting Aoun that “he was confident that things in Lebanon are moving in the right direction.”
He dismissed fears of renewed conflict, noting joint US-Egyptian efforts to help Lebanon maintain stability.
The Egyptian Initiative
While the envoy did not reveal specific details of Egypt’s proposal, diplomatic sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cairo intends for continued consultations between the two countries to shape the next steps.
The sources said Rashad discussed Egypt’s central role in achieving the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the challenges that delayed it - chiefly Israeli obstacles - affirming that Egypt “closely follows developments in Lebanon and stands ready to assist in any effort leading to calm and stability.”
In a statement, the Lebanese Presidency said Rashad conveyed President Sisi’s greetings and wishes of success to Aoun “in steering Lebanon toward safe shores.”
Discussions covered regional issues, particularly the situation in southern Lebanon and Gaza. Rashad also reiterated Egypt’s readiness to help stabilize the border area and reaffirmed Cairo’s continued support for Lebanon.
Aoun, for his part, expressed appreciation for Egypt’s longstanding assistance across political, economic, and humanitarian fields, welcoming “any Egyptian effort to help stop Israeli aggression and restore peace and stability throughout Lebanon.”
The Egyptian envoy also met Berri, in a session attended by Major General Hassan Choucair, Director-General of General Security, and Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji, Head of Military Intelligence.
A statement said the talks focused on political and security developments in Lebanon and the wider region.
Arab League’s Outlook
Aboul Gheit, accompanied by Ambassador Ahmed Zaki and senior Arab League officials, also met Aoun. According to the presidency, discussions covered rapid regional developments and Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts with Arab and friendly nations to pressure Israel to respect last year’s ceasefire agreement.
Aboul Gheit said his visit to Beirut coincided with two major events- an Arab-European counterterrorism conference and the Arab Media Forum.
He described his meeting with Aoun as “an analytical discussion of regional and international dynamics,” adding that the president was confident about Lebanon’s trajectory and its future.
He said Aoun had briefed him on his meetings with US envoy Morgan Ortagus and the Egyptian intelligence chief. He noted a shift in US policy, describing Washington’s “clear determination to reassert control over the Middle East peace process and to prevent Israel from acting unilaterally, as it had over the past two years.”
Asked about coordination between Cairo and Washington to assist Lebanon, Aboul Gheit said this perception was “largely accurate.
He also ruled out a return to war, saying: “While the possibility exists, it remains highly unlikely. The US is pressing Israel to abandon escalation and avoid crossing into Lebanese territory. In my view, there is no immediate danger.”
