“Lebanon Debate”
Amidst an internal and external minefield, official institutions are moving towards confronting challenges that exceed the limits of their ability to initiate and make decisions, starting from the ongoing war in the south to the wave of American sanctions that insiders expect will roll and grow like a snowball, imposing themselves on the political and security arenas at a pivotal stage in the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations.
The escalation of American pressure linked to officials in the “Amal” movement and representatives of the “Loyalty to the Resistance” bloc, all the way to officers in the army and public security, is gaining clear indications about the extent of the American targeting of security institutions, in light of the charges directed against these officers of “leaking information to parties linked to Hezbollah.”
The Ministry of Interior quickly requested official investigations, while the army leadership issued a strongly worded statement in which it stressed that the military institution operates “with professionalism and discipline,” and that “the military’s loyalty is to the homeland and the institution only,” in a clear message to contain any internal or external skepticism about the army’s role.
In turn, the General Directorate of Public Security affirmed its confidence in its members, but pledged to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in leaking information outside legal frameworks, in an attempt to combine defending the institution and responding to international pressure.
The response of the party and its allies was not delayed, as the “Loyalty to the Resistance” bloc considered that the sanctions constitute “a blatant attack on the sovereignty of the Lebanese state, and an American attempt to intimidate the security institutions and push them to submit to American projects in the region.”
As for Tehran, it went further, as the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the imposition of sanctions on its appointed ambassador to Beirut, Muhammad Reda Raouf Shaibani, and described the step as a violation of international law and the principle of respect for the sovereignty of states.
It is known that the Lebanese Foreign Ministry had not accepted Shibani’s credentials, and considered him persona non grata in Beirut. However, he refused to implement the decision and leave Lebanon, and remained at the embassy.
In recent hours, there have been unconfirmed leaks about lists of names of new figures who will be subject to US sanctions, including security and administrative officials accused of facilitating the work of the party’s “Unit 900.”
On the ground, the south remained at the heart of the escalation, with successive Israeli raids and evacuation warnings targeting Nabatieh, the surroundings of Tire, and several other areas. Yesterday’s field scene brought to the fore fears of a slide toward a broader confrontation, especially with the continuation of daily targeting and the expansion of the bombing.
Amid this climate, Army Commander General Rudolph Heikal sent a direct message to the military on the occasion of Resistance and Liberation Day, in which he called on them to adhere to national unity and not pay attention to “sectarian rumors and accusations,” stressing that “the army will remain an impenetrable barrier in the face of any attempt to destabilize internal stability.”
Politically, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met with Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa, who stressed the continuation of regional and international efforts to contain tensions, whether through the American path or through contacts with Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.
At the Republican Palace, the Council of Ministers held a session chaired by President Joseph Aoun, following a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, which discussed internal developments and the results of Salam’s visit to Damascus and his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.
The Council of Ministers approved a series of appointments that included general directors and members of the boards of directors of water institutions, while the Prime Minister announced the imminent birth of the Lebanese-Syrian Business Council.
Information Minister Paul Morcos pointed out that the Council of Ministers condemned the Israeli attacks, especially those that targeted ambulance crews and journalists.
Amid the crises, a spot of light that the Lebanese have been waiting for emerges with the announcement of the beatification of Patriarch Elias Hoyek, who played a historical role in the establishment of Greater Lebanon and the consolidation of its national and pluralistic identity.
Yesterday in the Vatican, Pope Leo
