Remarks by US Deputy Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus regarding the “three diplomatic working groups” on Lebanon-Zionist negotiations have reignited concerns that Washington is steering Lebanon toward normalization with the Zionist occupation under the pretext of diplomatic means. The initiative, orchestrated by Washington, appears to be part of a broader objective to integrate Lebanon into a regional normalization framework that serves Zionist interests. Growing anxiety over the plan’s implications has intensified, particularly as Israeli media actively promotes it, fueling fears of its potential consequences for Lebanon’s internal stability.

A statement from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that these discussions are not merely about border disputes but part of a comprehensive plan for normalization.  A Zionist political source indicated that Netanyahu’s policies had already transformed the  Middle East and that Lebanon is the next step in maintaining this momentum. The source also reported that the diplomatic process was designed to move beyond military negotiations to political agreements, including the upcoming transition from military-led Naqoura talks to official diplomatic negotiations.

Recognizing that Lebanon’s new leadership faces opposition from Hezbollah and Amal, the Zionist source suggested that the recent release of five Lebanese detainees was intended to strengthen the president’s position and facilitate future diplomatic openings to normalization. These working groups, established by Washington and Tel Aviv, are specifically designed to advance this agenda under the guise of resolving long-standing border disputes. Meanwhile, Israeli Colonel (Res.) Moshe Elad publicly suggested that Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun wants to initiate a new phase in relations between Lebanon and the Zionist enemy.

Ortagus’ statements and Zionist media reports indicate that Washington and Tel Aviv aim to leverage the war on Lebanon to reshape the country’s political landscape, mainly by imposing a leadership aligned with their interests and steering the country toward the Abraham Accords. Political sources suggest US and the Zionist entity see Hezbollah as weakened, enabling Lebanese adversaries to advance this plan. While Lebanese officials uphold the 1949 Armistice and 1923 Newcombe Agreements, Zionist colony demands recognition of the so-called Blue Line and control over Ras al-Naqoura, reinforcing its push for broader territorial adjustments. The next round of diplomatic discussions is expected to take place within weeks, reflecting the accelerated timeline of this initiative.

Despite these developments, Lebanon’s official position remains largely absent.  While some sources deny Zionist, there has been no firm challenge to the broader normalization framework. However, Lebanon’s complex internal political landscape and the resistance’s continued presence indicate that this effort will face significant hurdles in the months ahead.

Full Al-Akhbar report in Arabic: https://www.alakhbar.com/lebanon/826521/