Lebanon has witnessed a rise in internal tensions against the backdrop of media insults targeting religious authorities, at a delicate moment when political and security tracks intersect between opportunities for de-escalation and the risks of sliding into deeper division. As the disputes intensify, the scene of division is becoming entrenched between those pushing to restore the state and its institutions and those keeping the country in a state of open confrontation, exacerbating crises and threatening what remains of stability.
Judicial move to prosecute those responsible for the insults
In this context, LBCI removed the caricature content related to Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem based on a judicial order, after Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation Judge Ahmad Rami al-Haj tasked the Central Criminal Investigations Department with summoning those concerned at the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation for questioning over a report that sparked widespread controversy. He also issued judicial commissions to uncover the identities of those involved in fabricating insulting images of Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, as well as others targeting President Joseph Aoun, despite his not yet having taken the constitutional oath due to the sensitivity of the case.
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.
