Lebanon on the Verge of a Critical Stage in Every Sense of the Word… Aridi: Warns of Unprecedented Israeli Aggression!

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The writer and political analyst, Wajdi Al-Aridi, indicated that Lebanon is witnessing a fierce competition between two paths: diplomacy, negotiations and settlements with Israel under American auspices, or war, which will be catastrophic this time and with unprecedented American cover, should Israel launch any aggression. Therefore, he believes that if the plan to exclusively possess weapons is not implemented, or at least reach a positive neutrality and adhere to the truce agreement or indirect negotiations with Israel, then Lebanon cannot enter these negotiations alone or in the process of reconciliation, but rather it must be neutralized from the axis countries.

, Al-Aridi explained that everything that has happened since the seventies of the last century until today has cost Lebanon dearly as a result of some exaggerating the support of the Palestinian cause and the use of foreign ideologies and beliefs, some of which still exist today, without realizing the transformations and changes. He stressed that these exaggerations destroyed the country and turned it into a platform and arena for receiving and exchanging regional messages.

He added: We are waiting for the arrival of the new American ambassador, Michel Issa, to Beirut, who carries a mandate from US President Donald Trump to follow the Lebanese file, especially the indirect negotiations with Israel. According to his information, Ambassador Issa is strict and firm in the negotiations, does not maneuver or compromise, and enjoys great confidence from President Trump.

Based on this, Al-Aridi considered that Lebanon is going through a pivotal stage by all standards, and expected, during the next few weeks, based on available data, that the peace process would begin, even in a preliminary manner, through American sponsorship, awaiting the arrival of the American envoys: Morgan Ortagus and Tom Brak, to follow up and accompany the file of exclusive weapons possession, and to evaluate the army’s plan and everything related to the Lebanese file. He warned that Israel, which is raising the level of its escalation, may launch a major aggression, and also expected an increase in the pace of escalation in the next stage to include new areas, because Israel does what it wants without supervision or accountability, and without any real condemnation.

Al-Aridi pointed out that Lebanon has today become facing a new and different reality from the previous stages. Against this background, he denied the validity of what was said that the negotiations came through an offer presented to the President of the Republic in New York, stressing that there is American seriousness in pushing Lebanon towards negotiations with Israel, in light of American-Saudi coordination, and Lebanon may later be on this agenda.

Regarding the parliamentary elections, Al-Aridi explained that the election train has started and the machines have begun to be oiled, but the path of alliances has not yet crystallized, although there is confirmation of some alliances between the Progressive Socialist Party, the Lebanese Democratic Party, and the Lebanese Forces.

In contrast, the atmosphere indicates that the “Future Movement” may not ally with the Socialist Party, as this movement has not yet decided whether to contest the entitlement independently, pending the final word from its president, President Saad Hariri.

He added: In Beirut, there is talk about the nomination of some sons of leaders and political families, while MP Nabil Badr remains a difficult number, as his presence, successes and alliances will appear soon. As for Tripoli, MP Dr. Ihab Matar will not contest the entitlement with any party from the forces of resistance or the Iranian axis and the former Syrian regime, and he is committed to principles that he never deviates from. Likewise, MPs Major General Ashraf Rifi and Faisal Karami have begun preparing for their electoral battles.

He continued: In Akkar, MP Walid Al-Baarini roams the Akkar areas, has his presence and role, and has begun preparing for this entitlement. In the Bekaa, things remain the same, and everyone is awaiting the position of the Future Movement in this regard.

As for the development and reconstruction process, Al-Aridi explained that his information confirms that there is no conference of donor countries or for reconstruction at the present time, and even the conference to support the army has not yet been scheduled, as everyone, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is awaiting the implementation of the army’s plan and the launch of the reform process. He stressed that the settlement and negotiation process has become an essential part of what is happening in Lebanon in terms of conferences and contacts.

Regarding the performance of the government, Al-Aridi praised the “exceptional movement of the Minister of Public Works, Fayez Rasamni,” who is playing his role remarkably in the airport, ports, and paving operations in various Lebanese regions, away from any favoritism or sectarian or sectarian favoritism, and everyone praises his role and presence.

He added: Likewise, it must be pointed out that the head of the South Council, Engineer Hashem Haider, despite the available capabilities, did not fall short at all, contrary to what is rumored that the salaries of the South Council have increased to become similar to the salaries of the Council for Development and Reconstruction. This is completely incorrect, as the salaries remain as they are, whether for the head of the Council or its members.

Al-Aridi continued: We must learn from some lessons, as the Emirati businessman Sheikh Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor said, inspired by the book “My Story” by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who stressed that the importance is not only in development, but in laws, because they are the basis on which institutions are organized. When the law prevails, everything is organized.

Al-Aridi concluded by saying: Will this be reflected on Lebanon, and will the state of law and institutions be established in it? Because, until now, we are still living in a waiting stage, awaiting the next few months, so that Lebanon may start on the path of recovery, while acknowledging that the Presidents of the Republic and the government, Presidents Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, are playing a major role and working remarkably hard, given the great weight of the legacy that has accumulated during the past three decades since the Taif Agreement through all successive governments.