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Lebanese Parliament member Paula Yacoubian made a clear and unequivocal statement this week in a series of televised interviews in Beirut, declaring, "It's time to seriously consider peace with Israel."
A contact in Beirut, after visiting local cafes, shared a similar sentiment, noting that peace with Israel has become a central topic of discussion among the public, in parliament and in government offices.
However, much of the public debate revolves around five high-ground positions that Israel continues to hold within what Lebanon considers its sovereign territory. While these locations may be unfamiliar to Israelis, they are strategic hills near the border that provide direct observation over Kiryat Shmona, Metula, Zar'it, Shomera, Manara and Misgav Am.
One of these sites, unnamed here, was previously used as a Hezbollah intelligence base. Defense Minister Israel Katz has made it clear that the IDF has no intention of withdrawing from these positions in the foreseeable future.
Despite suffering heavy blows, Hezbollah maintains a vocal parliamentary presence. The terror group's leader, Naim Qassem, said that Hezbollah has no intention of surrendering its weapons to the Lebanese army.
Meanwhile, Lebanon has appointed a new army chief, Rudolf Haykal, a Maronite Christian with a distinguished military career. He received his new rank from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who will continue overseeing the Lebanese Armed Forces from the presidential palace.
Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reinserted himself into Lebanon's political landscape, playing a significant behind-the-scenes role.
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Bin Salman, despite pausing normalization efforts with Israel, appears to view Lebanon as a strategic vantage point ahead of potential negotiations with Jerusalem. The U.S. and France are both involved in mediation efforts between Israel and Lebanon, facilitating indirect talks where Israeli and Lebanese officers meet in separate rooms under American mediation.
There is little significant opposition to expanding relations with Israel. The main question is timing — whether to move forward in the near future or wait until Israeli Air Force overflights in Lebanese airspace cease. While Aoun quietly supports improving ties with Israel, he insists it should not be labeled as "normalization."
In contrast, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is known for his hardline stance against Israel and staunchly opposes any agreement.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
(Photo: AFP PHOTO / Syria's Transitional Government)
As long as Saudi Arabia refrains from making a decisive move and Hezbollah continues issuing threats, Lebanon is unlikely to respond to Israel's proposal for a full cessation of hostilities — an arrangement that could eventually lead to peace.
At the same time, the Lebanese army is intensifying its efforts against Hezbollah in the south. In recent days, 4,500 young Lebanese citizens have enlisted in the military.
A senior official in Lebanon's new government told me that over 70% of Lebanese citizens support an "open agreement" with Israel — one that would facilitate relations, particularly in trade. Unfortunately, Israel has yet to engage in serious discussions on this matter with its American and French counterparts. There is much to talk about.