Intensive diplomatic moves to secure a ceasefire ahead of Lebanon talks… and expected French visits to Beirut

Intensive diplomatic contacts are continuing with the aim of pressuring Israel to agree to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire, in order to create the conditions for the anticipated negotiations with Lebanon set to begin tomorrow, at a time when indications point to Israeli insistence on continuing military operations.

In the political context, information indicated that Lebanon had submitted its remarks on the draft “declaration of intent,” but the Israeli side withdrew it for further review without providing any response so far.

According to the same information, the Lebanese military delegation is expected to focus during the negotiations on the demand for a full ceasefire, alongside efforts to clarify military terminology in order to avoid any ambiguities or loopholes that could be exploited in the future, particularly with regard to the issue of “freedom of movement.”

Diplomatically, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian is expected to visit Beirut next week, to be followed by another visit by two French female ministers, as part of ongoing international efforts related to the Lebanese file.