- 12:20
Diplomatic sources in New York have confirmed that no new draft resolution concerning Lebanon is under discussion at the Security Council, refuting media reports as unfounded. The sources stressed that any talks of a resolution would be contingent upon achieving a ceasefire, a condition that remains unlikely for the time being.
According to available information, the Americans are not currently making efforts toward a ceasefire, instead allowing the Israelis the opportunity to complete their plan in southern Lebanon. This situation is expected to continue at least until the US elections and possibly beyond, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not and is not expected to yield to pressure from the Americans or other parties.
In this context, according to the information provided, the French are the only ones making a genuine effort to move things forward. However, even their actions — despite occasional coordination with the Americans — have not amounted to a decisive push for a ceasefire. They are also encountering resistance, from the Israelis on one hand and Iran and Hezbollah on the other. The French and the Americans have been told multiple times by Netanyahu that the war will continue until Israel has fulfilled its objectives in southern Lebanon and Gaza.
Moreover, diplomatic sources closely monitoring ongoing political efforts indicate that the challenges in responding to any initiatives lie not only with Israel but also significantly with Iran and Hezbollah. A ceasefire is not currently an option for Hezbollah, as it would represent a considerable military, political, and popular defeat. While continuing the conflict could ultimately lead to their downfall, the group prefers to remain engaged in fighting, hoping that when the war concludes, they can frame their position as victorious by claiming they have successfully maintained their political standing in Lebanon.
These sources emphasized that discussions with the Lebanese authorities have proven to be futile. This has been evidenced by all interactions with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who, according to the sources, lack the decision-making power or clarity needed regarding their public statements on a ceasefire and the implementation of Resolution 1701.
They cannot halt the ongoing bloodshed in Lebanon, even if they wished to. The sources also indicated that mediators and diplomats have heard from Lebanese officials, who, out of fear of Hezbollah, are hesitant to take any actions or make statements that might provoke the aggrieved party, fully aware that it is the Lebanese people ultimately paying the price.
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