Rising Internal Tensions... and Israel Steps Up Its Attacks

Rejection of the insults and calls to rein in rhetoric

In the same context, President Aoun stressed that attacks on spiritual authorities are unacceptable and condemned, calling for disagreements to remain within political frameworks. Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri warned of the dangers of sliding into strife.

Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt called for respect for religious authorities and an end to media incitement, criticizing the weak control over inflammatory rhetoric. Sheikh Aql of the Druze community Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna also condemned the insults, stressing the need for the media to uphold its national responsibilities. For his part, Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Taymour Jumblatt called on media outlets to shoulder their national responsibilities at this critical juncture and to adhere to the ethics of expressing opinions and presenting ideas without insult or accusations of treason, urging all Lebanese to adopt responsible media and political discourse in order to safeguard national unity and prevent strife.

Field escalation in the south and a security meeting

On the security front, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal held a meeting with the head of the committee overseeing the ceasefire mechanism, General Joseph Clairfield, during which support for the army and the strengthening of its role were emphasized. On the ground, Israeli escalation continues, with strikes hitting several areas in the south, alongside demolition operations and the burning of homes. In response, Hezbollah announced that it had downed an Israeli Hermes 450 drone and targeted military positions.

Clarification from the PSP regarding Jumblatt's visit to Damascus

In parallel, the media commission of the Progressive Socialist Party denied reports circulating about the recent meeting between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Walid Jumblatt, particularly claims that the Syrian president told Jumblatt that Damascus would have fallen had Iran been defeated, stressing that this report is completely false.

Regional movement and proposals for de-escalation

Regionally, Reuters revealed an Iranian proposal calling for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the naval blockade in exchange for halting attacks, while postponing discussion of the nuclear file to a later stage, in an effort to create conditions for a broader settlement.

CBS reported that Nick Stewart, a former State Department official during Donald Trump's first term, has joined the US negotiating team dealing with Iran.

According to the information, Stewart joined a team that includes Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, before the Islamabad talks led by J.D. Vance stalled in early April.

It is worth noting that Kushner appointed Stewart, who had previously worked at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies specializing in nuclear proliferation issues.