Marwan Hamadeh: A “dialogue of the deaf” dominates the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations

MP Marwan Hamadeh said the course of the Lebanese-Israeli negotiations is still revolving within what he described as a “dialogue of the deaf,” due to the wide divergence in priorities between the two sides, despite what appears to be formal discipline in the management of the talks.

Hamadeh pointed out that the supposed leverage being put forward by both parties does not, in reality, reflect genuine elements of strength so much as it reveals mutual weaknesses, making the negotiating track more complex and intertwined.

Regarding the official Lebanese follow-up to the negotiating process in Washington, he explained that there is information indicating that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is monitoring these developments indirectly.

He noted that the negotiations are likely to be lengthy and complicated, given the overlap of issues and the absence of quick solutions, considering that consolidating the ceasefire remains tied to U.S. pressure matched by a process of mutual concessions.

He explained that there are two positive indicators for Lebanon: the implicit recognition that Lebanon’s borders are not open to negotiation, along with the beginning of international awareness of the importance of supporting the Lebanese Army.

He added that any future settlement could be based on gradual de-escalation under international supervision, within a clear timetable that would accompany the strengthening of the army’s role as a guarantor of stability.

On the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, Hamadeh said the party will ultimately face the choice of integrating within the framework of the Lebanese state, considering that this path could provide an entry point for the return of the displaced, the completion of the Israeli withdrawal, and the start of reconstruction.