Lebanon Today

Political analyst Wajdi Al-Aridi expressed his deep concern regarding what is being circulated from diplomatic and intelligence reports indicating Israeli preparations to launch a large-scale aggression against Lebanon.
Al-Aridi ruled out a repeat of the ground invasion scenario that we witnessed in 1982, but he suggested that the expected strikes, according to available data, will be extensive and extremely violent, and may affect new areas, with American cover and direct support from US President “Donald Trump.”

In a special statement to , Al-Aridi explained that the visit of the Egyptian General Intelligence Director to Lebanon confirms these fears, as he carries with him accurate information indicating that Israel is preparing for a major aggression.
He pointed out that the Egyptian intelligence chief recently met with Israeli Prime Minister “Benjamin Netanyahu.” Al-Aridi confirmed that “the message is clear: Hezbollah must abandon its policy of denial and hand over its weapons to the Lebanese state, because Israel is in the process of a large-scale military operation.”

Al-Aridi pointed to the pivotal role that Egyptian intelligence has always played in past decades, especially in the sixties and seventies, as it used to inform Lebanese officials in advance of potential security risks, whether assassinations or bombings.
This makes it a reliable source today regarding regional developments.

In a related context, Al-Aridi affirmed that the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, General “Joseph Aoun” and “Nawaf Salam,” emphasize in every meeting with American envoys and others the necessity of curbing Israeli attacks.
He pointed out that talk of “direct or indirect peace” has become a serious issue, considering that the President of the Republic’s statements on this subject reflect the existence of a long-term negotiating track under preparation.

However, Al-Aridi ruled out reaching a direct peace between Lebanon and Israel, considering that the closest scenario is indirect negotiations under American auspices, or an agreement that enshrines Lebanon’s neutrality.
He added, “The era of using Lebanon as an arena for settling scores must end, as happened in the seventies and eighties when it was a stage for the Palestinian Authority, the Syrian regime, Hamas, rejection fronts, and Hezbollah. Lebanon fought for the entire nation, and is no longer able to pay new bills.”

On the internal front, Al-Aridi affirmed that the parliamentary elections will be held on their scheduled date and will not be postponed “for a single day,” according to the confirmations of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister.
He pointed out that the preparations and electoral alliances have begun to crystallize in more than one region, noting that MP “Nabil Badr” is still a difficult figure in Beirut, and is conducting intensive contacts to form a unified list in cooperation with political forces and the people of the capital.

In Tripoli, Al-Aridi explained that MP “Ihab Matar” is at the forefront of the political and development scene, through his presence and continuous support for the city at various levels, which enhances his electoral position.

He pointed out that alliances between major parties will be “piecemeal” in some districts, especially between the Free Patriotic Movement, the Progressive Socialist Party, and the Lebanese Forces, without direct electoral intersection.
He pointed out that MP “Mark Daou” is allied with the Kataeb Party and is in contact with various political forces and sects, within the framework of a comprehensive national approach.

Regarding the reconstruction file, Al-Aridi considered that talk of major support conferences for Lebanon is still unlikely at the present stage, praising the role of the head of the South Council, Engineer “Hashem Haider,” who continues to work within the available capabilities, whether through the Council or from his position as Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation, where he achieved remarkable successes that positively reflected on Lebanese football.

He pointed out that the date for the conference to support the Lebanese army has not yet been determined, because these initiatives, according to him, have become closely linked to the file of illegal weapons.
In this context, Al-Aridi cited the words of Emirati businessman Sheikh “Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor,” who said: “What does Israel want? The Gaza plan has been concluded, and the ceasefire in Lebanon is in place under Resolution 1701, and the Arab countries have responded, so why does Israel continue to violate international resolutions?”

In his assessment of the government’s performance, Al-Aridi believes that it is carrying out its duties within the limits of available capabilities, praising the role of the Minister of Public Works, “Fayez Rasamny,” who has become a “landmark” through his extensive activity in paving and maintenance projects in various regions away from any arbitrariness or sectarianism, as well as his efforts in the ports and airport.
He also praised a number of ministers who continue to work silently despite the difficult circumstances.

In conclusion, Al-Aridi expected that the arrival of the new US Ambassador to Beirut, “Michel Issa,” would mark a new political phase, given his firmness and clarity in positions, pointing out that his mission will go beyond the traditional framework of Resolution 1701 and the role of the United Nations, to include direct follow-up of the Blue Line and the weapons file in full coordination with the American administration.

source: 961 today