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Lebanon Sees No Immediate Ceasefire Amid Israeli Operations
Informed political sources in Lebanon dismissed on Sunday the possibility of a near halt to the fighting along the Lebanese-Israeli border, following reports about a potential agreement and Israel's announcement of an expansion of its ground operations.
The sources confirmed that Lebanon has not received any official draft proposals so far, nor has a date been set for the visit of the American envoy to the region.
On the other hand, the local newspaper "Al-Joumhouria" cited sources described as "well-informed," suggesting that U.S. President Joe Biden may soon send his envoy Amos Hochstein to Beirut, carrying specific proposals for a ceasefire.
The sources emphasized the need to pressure the Israeli side to lower its demands, affirming that the main obstacles lie in the Israeli stance, while Lebanon insists on the implementation of Resolution 1701 without any modifications.
Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" reported that the Israeli security cabinet discussed a possible ceasefire agreement in Lebanon during its last meeting.
The newspaper clarified that Israel, Lebanon, and the United States have exchanged a draft agreement for a ceasefire.
Additionally, sources told the Israeli Broadcasting Authority that Israel accepted the proposed plan about ten days ago. These reports come alongside the visit by Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to the United States, where he is expected to meet with several U.S. officials, including the elected President Donald Trump.
This coincides with the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit starting on Monday in Riyadh, called by Saudi Arabia, amid hopes for practical results concerning the ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.
Lebanese government sources noted that the summit is expected to play an important role in strengthening the call for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza and influencing international positions.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is expected to address the extent of destruction caused to Lebanese cities and villages due to Israeli bombing during the summit, focusing on the issue of displaced persons.
For his part, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri emphasized the need for the summit to yield practical results that push towards a ceasefire and end the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon. He reiterated the "necessity of an immediate ceasefire and the implementation of Resolution 1701 without additions or omissions," noting that Israel is pursuing a wide-ranging destruction strategy in various parts of the south, Baalbek, and the suburbs.
**Expanding Maneuvers**
On the ground, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi approved the expansion of ground maneuvers in southern Lebanon, according to a reporter from Al-Hurra in Tel Aviv.
Thousands of soldiers from both the regular army and reserves are expected to participate in these maneuvers.
Defense Ministry officials stated that "the new plans aim to enable the Israeli army to deepen the achievements made so far and reach additional areas where Hezbollah is active."
In Lebanon, Israeli warplanes have launched continuous airstrikes on villages in the Tyre and Bint Jbeil districts, targeting towns including: Barghiley, Ain Touta area between the towns of Burj Rahal and Al-Abassiyah, the entrance to Tayr Dibba, Al-Ramadiya, Al-Jamijma, Al-Shahabiya, Batulya, Qalawiya, and Burj Qalawiya.
This coincided with reconnaissance, drone, and fighter aircraft flying over the villages in the districts of Tyre and Bint Jbeil, launching illuminating flares over the western and central sectors, reaching the Litani River and the coastal area.
In the early hours, the Israeli army fired machine gun fire towards the groves adjacent to the towns of Naqoura, Jabal Al-Labouna, Alama Al-Shaab, Tayr Harfa, Al-Dahira, and Aita Al-Shaab.
In contrast, Hezbollah, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, announced on Monday that it launched an attack targeting clusters of Israeli soldiers in the Ramia, Al-Qouzah, and Aita Al-Shaab axes, achieving direct hits according to statements from the party.
