As negotiations continue, the region braces for the possibility of a major war between Washington and Tehran, one that would spare no country, particularly Lebanon.
Concerns are mounting amid repeated international warnings to Lebanon about the dangers of escalation this time around, as opportunities to avert such a scenario continue to fade. This is particularly worrying given that the Lebanese government's decisions on establishing a state monopoly on arms have yet to be implemented on the ground.
Israeli media leaks are further reinforcing the belief that Israel is preparing for some form of military action, amid continued US threats against Iran.
Perhaps the most significant revelation in this regard came from Maariv newspaper, which reported a military development involving the redeployment of most of the Israeli army's reserve forces to the border with Lebanon and the raising of alert levels to the maximum, in preparation for a potentially imminent military confrontation with Iran and its allies in the coming days.
In an interview with MTV website, retired Brigadier General and military expert Marcel Balukji explained that the Israeli military buildup is aimed at reinforcing ground operations in southern Lebanon.
However, Balukji ruled out a large-scale Israeli ground invasion at this stage, suggesting that Israel would instead carry out a more limited operation.
So, what is Israel planning to do?
He explained: The Israeli army is seeking to establish a security zone by advancing toward Wadi Barghaz and parts of Jabal al-Rihan, with the aim of protecting the Yellow Zone and establishing a fire zone.
He added: On the maritime front, the Israeli army would advance toward Jebal al-Bottom to secure the coastline. This move is part of efforts to implement the Framework Agreement.
Balukji warned that if the Lebanese state failed to take steps toward implementing the Framework Agreement, the Israeli army could advance into areas farther inland.
But what if mediation efforts succeed in securing an agreement between the United States and Iran?
Iran has publicly maintained that ending the war on all fronts is a fundamental condition for any agreement or settlement with the United States, thereby placing the situation in Lebanon at the center of regional discussions.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated that Tehran would not relinquish its demands, stressing that any end to the war must include all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, developments on the ground offer little reason for optimism. Israel is seeking to establish a lasting strategic security reality in southern Lebanon and remains determined to maintain its presence in the security zone.
This raises a key question: Is Iran seeking only a ceasefire, without insisting on an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory? And would Israel accept an end to the war if it did not involve Hezbollah giving up its weapons?
Concerns are mounting amid repeated international warnings to Lebanon about the dangers of escalation this time around, as opportunities to avert such a scenario continue to fade. This is particularly worrying given that the Lebanese government's decisions on establishing a state monopoly on arms have yet to be implemented on the ground.
Israeli media leaks are further reinforcing the belief that Israel is preparing for some form of military action, amid continued US threats against Iran.
Perhaps the most significant revelation in this regard came from Maariv newspaper, which reported a military development involving the redeployment of most of the Israeli army's reserve forces to the border with Lebanon and the raising of alert levels to the maximum, in preparation for a potentially imminent military confrontation with Iran and its allies in the coming days.
In an interview with MTV website, retired Brigadier General and military expert Marcel Balukji explained that the Israeli military buildup is aimed at reinforcing ground operations in southern Lebanon.
However, Balukji ruled out a large-scale Israeli ground invasion at this stage, suggesting that Israel would instead carry out a more limited operation.
So, what is Israel planning to do?
He explained: The Israeli army is seeking to establish a security zone by advancing toward Wadi Barghaz and parts of Jabal al-Rihan, with the aim of protecting the Yellow Zone and establishing a fire zone.
He added: On the maritime front, the Israeli army would advance toward Jebal al-Bottom to secure the coastline. This move is part of efforts to implement the Framework Agreement.
Balukji warned that if the Lebanese state failed to take steps toward implementing the Framework Agreement, the Israeli army could advance into areas farther inland.
But what if mediation efforts succeed in securing an agreement between the United States and Iran?
Iran has publicly maintained that ending the war on all fronts is a fundamental condition for any agreement or settlement with the United States, thereby placing the situation in Lebanon at the center of regional discussions.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated that Tehran would not relinquish its demands, stressing that any end to the war must include all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, developments on the ground offer little reason for optimism. Israel is seeking to establish a lasting strategic security reality in southern Lebanon and remains determined to maintain its presence in the security zone.
This raises a key question: Is Iran seeking only a ceasefire, without insisting on an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory? And would Israel accept an end to the war if it did not involve Hezbollah giving up its weapons?
