Lebanese Political Source Warns of Critical 72 Hours After Israel-Lebanon Agreement Amid Hezbollah Tensions

Following the recent signing of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, a Lebanese political figure spoke to N12, highlighting the tense atmosphere and uncertainty surrounding Hezbollah's potential reaction. The source described the next 72 hours as critical, warning of a likely violent response from Hezbollah, including possible assassinations, terrorist attacks, or widespread protests. Hezbollah leader Naeem Qassem condemned the agreement as a "historic mistake" and reaffirmed the group's loyalty to the US-Iran memorandum rather than the Israel-Lebanon deal.

The Lebanese political source characterized the agreement as a significant blow to Iran, calling it "cutting off Iran's hand" by targeting its main proxy and control channel in Lebanon. The source emphasized Iran's efforts to sabotage the agreement and noted that opposition from extremist factions in both Lebanon and Israel underscores the deal's importance. Despite the risks, the source expressed cautious optimism about the pilot phase, in which the Lebanese army would take control of certain areas previously held by Hezbollah, provided Israel and the US support the process.

Additionally, members of Nabih Berri's party, Lebanon's parliament speaker and a Hezbollah ally, expressed surprise at the agreement's content and warned it could threaten Lebanon's stability, urging restraint to avoid escalation. The Lebanese political figure stressed that the success of the agreement depends not only on Lebanon's government and army but also on the patience and backing of Israel and the United States, cautioning that any interference could strengthen Hezbollah's narrative.

The agreement has sparked intense debate in Lebanon, with opponents fearing it could provoke violent retaliation from Hezbollah, while supporters see it as a rare opportunity to improve Lebanon's situation and its relations with Israel. The coming days will be pivotal in determining the agreement's impact and Hezbollah's response.