In his first comments regarding the ceasefire announcement, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that "no one negotiates on behalf of Lebanon except the Lebanese state," highlighting the ongoing debate about whether Lebanon is included in this agreement.
Salam refrained from delving into the details of the ongoing communications regarding the ceasefire, affirming that the Lebanese state is fulfilling its duties in this regard and is working to mobilize all its resources to extricate the country from the predicament it finds itself in against its will.
Details of the Event
In a related context, Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, confirmed that Lebanon is included in the ceasefire agreement with Iran, noting that the Israelis have not adhered to this agreement throughout Lebanon so far, which constitutes a violation of the announced agreement.
Berri clarified that the agreement explicitly includes Lebanon and that he has communicated with the Pakistani side to inform them of Tel Aviv's non-compliance with the ceasefire, requesting them to reach out to the Americans to pressure Israel. He also mentioned his communication with several parties concerned with the issue, where there are confirmations that Lebanon is part of this agreement, with the possibility of Israel "disturbing this agreement" as it is the biggest party harmed by it.
Context and Background
These statements come at a sensitive time, as the last statements from Hezbollah regarding operations against the Israelis were issued just before the ceasefire announcement. Israel has renewed its warnings to residents of the southern Zahrani River and the southern suburbs of Beirut, and reports have indicated several Israeli airstrikes south of the Litani River.
Lebanese sources close to Hezbollah reported that the group halted fire on northern Israel and on Israeli forces in Lebanon during the early hours of Wednesday, as part of the previously announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Consequences and Impact
While Israel continues its airstrikes on southern Lebanon, new evacuation warnings have been issued for the city of Tyre, indicating that an attack will be launched there soon. This follows statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States will not include Lebanon.
It is expected that Hezbollah, backed by Iran, will issue a statement clarifying its official position on the ceasefire and on Netanyahu's assertion that Lebanon is not included. The Israeli army has also carried out several airstrikes on southern Lebanon, according to reports from the National News Agency, and has issued a new order to evacuate areas in the city of Tyre.
Impact on the Arab Region
In light of these developments, the Lebanese army urged residents of southern Lebanon to "exercise caution" in returning to their homes due to the ongoing Israeli strikes. Additionally, armed Iraqi factions announced early today that they are suspending their operations in Iraq and the region, indicating broader implications of the regional conflict.
Concerns are growing over escalating tensions in the region, as recent days have witnessed military escalation by Iranian-backed factions, which could lead to serious repercussions for security and stability in Lebanon and the surrounding area.