The United States has set a non-negotiable ultimatum for Lebanon to form civilian committees for negotiations with Israel by this month’s end. The U.S. emphasizes a broader discussion framework, while Lebanese leaders face strong opposition to normalization amid fears of potential Israeli escalation. Social media reactions in Lebanon are deeply divided, reflecting significant internal conflicts on the issue.
Reports indicate that the United States has issued an ultimatum to Lebanon, urging the establishment of civilian committees to negotiate with Israel by the end of the month. U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, conveyed this message to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, emphasizing that refusal could lead to U.S. withdrawal from oversight and increased Israeli military action.
The ultimatum outlines that the deadline for initiating negotiations is non-negotiable, as the U.S. aims to broaden discussions between Lebanon and Israel beyond military concerns. Lebanese officials have revealed that these negotiations should focus on three primary issues: the release of imprisoned Lebanese individuals, Israeli withdrawal from specific border points, and resolution of remaining border disputes.
However, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji firmly stated Lebanon’s position against normalization, asserting that the country will not engage in direct political negotiations with Israel. The Lebanese government now faces a challenging predicament: balancing the fear of escalating conflict with Israel against strong internal opposition to perceived normalization.
Social media in Lebanon reflects this dual sentiment, particularly among Hezbollah supporters and pro-Iran factions, who vehemently oppose normalization, referring to Israel as the “Zionist enemy.” Campaigns under the hashtag لبنان_ضد_التطبيع (“Lebanon against normalization”) exemplify this opposition, with users expressing dedication to resisting Israeli actions.
Conversely, more moderate voices, including Christians, Sunnis, and Druze communities, express a desire for stability amid ongoing conflicts. One commenter noted that Hezbollah’s influence has created a sense of hostage-like existence, while suggesting that peace could be achievable if Lebanon were to break free from Hezbollah’s control.
Furthermore, skepticism regarding normalization exists among non-Hezbollah affiliated individuals, with some arguing that it is an unrealistic expectation due to Iranian influence. Reports suggest that the Lebanese president may propose including civilian experts in the current military oversight committee to navigate this complex situation without openly dismissing the U.S. proposal.
In conclusion, the U.S. ultimatum to Lebanon presents a critical deadline for negotiating with Israel, focusing on several key issues such as prisoner releases and border disputes. Lebanon’s leadership faces internal opposition to normalization, complicating their response to this demand amid fears of increased military tensions with Israel. The polarization within Lebanese society regarding negotiations with Israel underscores the complexities of achieving a peaceful resolution and the influence of both popular sentiment and external forces such as Iran. The proposed involvement of civilian experts in negotiations may serve as a potential compromise for the Lebanese government.
Original Source: vinnews.com
