Lebanon Demands End to Attacks as Israel Increases Pressure

The Lebanese government has decided to expand its delegation for the upcoming round of negotiations with Israel in Rome. The delegation now includes envoy Simon Karam (head of the delegation), Lebanese Ambassador to the USA Nada Mevaad, Director of Operations at the Lebanese Army Command George Rezkalla, five expert officers, the President's legal advisor Antoine Sapir, and maritime expert Najib Masihi. The talks are expected to begin tomorrow, August 4.

According to Lebanese reports, the expansion of the delegation is intended to ensure readiness to address any issues raised by the Israeli side. Sources told the newspaper "Ad-Diyar" that the delegation is at a high level of readiness and will not agree to any understandings before thoroughly examining the details to ensure they align with Lebanese interests.

Security and military issues will be given priority at the negotiating table. According to officials, the head of the Lebanese delegation, Simon Karam, is expected to strongly oppose violations and attacks in villages located within the security zone under Israeli control.

Sources indicate that Israel is exerting intense pressure on Lebanon through the American mediator to ensure the Lebanese army enters the Ali-Tahar ridge and takes control of facilities there, in parallel with the withdrawal of Hezbollah terrorists and the demilitarization of the area. It was also reported that this issue was raised during a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.

Sources added that this pressure is not limited to the political or diplomatic sphere but is accompanied by continuous pressure on the ground, including controlled explosions and military maneuvering, all intended to increase leverage over Lebanon.