Aside from the approaching municipal and optional elections set to commence this Sunday in Mount Lebanon, other significant challenges remain pending as conditions for implementation are yet to be fulfilled, particularly in regard to the anticipated reform process that hinges on the government’s commitment to taking necessary actions in this domain.
Meanwhile, one of the most pressing challenges involves security in the south, which is intrinsically linked to the overall safety of Lebanon. This is exacerbated by Israel’s continued aggressions and its evasion of the ceasefire agreement, as well as its violations of Lebanese sovereignty across land, sea, and air.
Recent developments indicate a renewed opportunity to stabilize the situation, with the revival of the ceasefire monitoring committee under new American leadership. Following a period of inactivity, coinciding with the proposed establishment of three diplomatic committees concerning borders, captured individuals, and the five points of interest, the monitoring committee is being revitalized. General Jasper Jeffers has been replaced by General Michael Lenney as its head, with assurances from senior sources that the transition to new leadership is accompanied by a strong commitment to uphold the ceasefire agreement and ensure compliance from all parties involved, which is essential for maintaining security and stability, especially along the borders.
The recent airstrike in southern Beirut, the third since the ceasefire agreement was implemented last November, has not been overshadowed by the focus on the municipal elections. This strike has cast a heavy shadow of concern, making it evident that achieving a relatively stable environment conducive to pursuing diplomatic options is still not feasible.
Official Positions
In the aftermath of the airstrike, there has been a noticeable increase in the official stance, placing responsibility on American and French sponsors to exert pressure on Israel to halt its operations and attacks in Lebanon. The ceasefire implementation mechanism committee was inaugurated recently with significant American backing through the inclusion of General Michael Lenney, a high-ranking US military officer stationed in Beirut, aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Lebanese and American military forces, as stated in a release from the US Embassy in Lebanon.
It is important to note that General Jasper Jeffers will remain engaged with Lebanon while fulfilling his duties as the commander of US special operations forces in the Levant, Gulf, and Central Asia, according to the embassy’s statement. Reportedly, General Jeffers will serve as a supervisory chair, while General Lenney takes over as the on-ground commander in Lebanon.
An American Message
There is a consensus among various circles regarding the importance of rejuvenating the monitoring committee. Ministerial sources have characterized the presence of an American general in Beirut as a clear message indicating that Washington will not disengage from Lebanon until it is indeed free from any threats to its regional context. The sources concluded that Lebanon has become an integral part of American priorities, in addition to those of the Arab and international communities.
Conversely, the visit of General Jeffers, head of the ceasefire implementation oversight committee, along with fellow committee member General Lenney, to the presidential residences served as a crucial opportunity for Lebanese officials to convey a unified stance. This stance emphasized that Israel’s continued occupation of the five hills hampers the full operational deployment of the Lebanese army in the south. The generals were also briefed on Lebanon’s shared position calling for US intervention to persuade Israel to withdraw from these five hills, setting the stage for discussions regarding Hezbollah’s arms.