Political division in Lebanon over 'direct negotiations' and Qamati attacks presidential directives

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday to discuss field and political developments in the country. The meeting focused on evaluating the post-ceasefire phase and the necessary steps to stabilize affected areas.

Official sources reported that the meeting primarily addressed 'Lebanese readiness for anticipated negotiations' with the Israeli occupation. These moves come as the Lebanese state seeks to arrange its diplomatic papers to face the challenges of the next phase.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed his hope that displaced persons would be able to return safely to their homes as soon as possible. He affirmed that government agencies are working diligently to facilitate this return by repairing vital bridges and opening roads destroyed by shelling.

Salam stressed that the current priority is to secure basic necessities in areas where return has become possible. He clarified that the state is dedicating all its capabilities to restore life to normalcy in the South and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

This official move comes after a speech by President Aoun, in which he indicated that Lebanon stands on the threshold of a new phase aimed at reaching permanent agreements. Aoun considered that direct negotiation does not represent weakness or concession, but rather a path to protect national sovereignty.

In contrast, Hezbollah's reaction to these official directives was sharp, expressing its categorical rejection of the principle of direct negotiation with the occupation. Party leaders considered these steps to contradict the constants of the resistance and the field equations imposed by the war.

Mahmoud Qamati, Vice President of Hezbollah's Political Council, described the negotiations sought by the state as 'failed and submissive'. He affirmed in a press conference from the southern suburbs that the party is not concerned with these paths, which he described as weak.

Qamati accused the Lebanese state of 'cowardice', stressing that the resistance is what dictates decisions and equations on the ground. He added that any coordination with the state must preserve national sovereignty, away from the logic of surrender promoted by some.

Qamati criticized President Aoun's recent speech, describing its content as 'shocking' to the resistance and its audience. He also reproached the Lebanese presidency for ignoring Iran's role in reaching the current understandings that led to the ceasefire.

On the ground, a cautious calm prevails in various Lebanese regions as the truce announced by US President Donald Trump enters its second day. Despite the halt in raids, many displaced persons remain concerned about the durability of this agreement.

Roads leading to southern Lebanon witnessed severe congestion as thousands of families attempted to return to inspect their properties. Lebanese army teams are working to remove rubble and open closed routes to facilitate heavy traffic.

In Beirut's southern suburbs, some families have begun to gradually return to retrieve what remains of their belongings from under the rubble. However, entire neighborhoods remain almost deserted due to the massive destruction and residents' fear of renewed hostilities.

Field sources quoted displaced persons as saying that they prefer to wait before a final return, pending the permanent establishment of the ceasefire. These fears reflect the state of uncertainty that grips the Lebanese street despite the halt in shelling.

It is worth noting that the Israeli aggression, which began early last March, has caused severe human and material losses. Statistics indicate that about 2,300 people were killed and more than a million Lebanese were displaced from their villages and cities.

We are not concerned with the negotiations conducted by the state; they are failed, weak, defeated, frustrating, and submissive negotiations.