Tensions Rise Between Lebanese President Aoun and Walid Jumblatt Over Israel Talks
Tensions have emerged between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt over stalled negotiations with Israel and the framework agreement, amid ongoing military escalations.
Relations between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt are "not good," according to a report published by the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al-Watan, which is aligned with opponents of Hezbollah. According to sources cited by the newspaper, this tension is reflected in the halt of visits by members of the Progressive Socialist Party to the presidential palace in Beirut.
According to the report, the background to the tension is a dispute over the "framework agreement," which the Socialist Party views as a failed pact, especially in light of recent military developments. While there is no complete break with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, deep disagreements persist regarding the agreement and the negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
Party sources told the newspaper that "the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations have failed and are leading nowhere, as evidenced by Israel's continued aggression and lack of commitment to any agreement." They added that the solution lies with the Americans, who are expected to halt the attacks and secure guarantees from Israel.
Criticism was also leveled at the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, for his focus on demanding that Hezbollah surrender its weapons. Sources warned that "Hezbollah will not surrender its weapons under this equation, and therefore Lebanon faces a deadlock that could persist and escalate."
According to the report, Israel intends to continue and expand its military activity after taking control of Ali al-Tahar, Tel al-Dabsha, and the Nabatieh area, with the next targets including Jabal al-Rihan, Jabal al-Rafie, and other sites. The party called on President Aoun and the negotiating team to take a firmer stance against Israeli activities and return to the principles of the 1949 Armistice Agreement. Concurrently, concern is growing over the impact of the fighting on the mountainous region, which has seen an influx of displaced persons from southern Lebanon.
