[85283] Lebanon after the ceasefire: security uncertainty and concerns over Hezbollah's attempts to present a picture of victory

The tension in Lebanon in the shadow of the ceasefire

Following reports of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and Iran, heavy traffic congestion was recorded on the Lebanese coastal axis, as many residents in the south of the country are trying to return to their homes, reports the channel Ziv Rubinstein - until the war ends. Despite the cessation of airstrikes, the Lebanese army announced the blocking of roads to the southern region, while residents were surprised to find IDF tanks still blocking their path, as reported by the channel Asrar Lubnan | Secrets of Lebanon.

On the political level, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri thanked Iran and the US for their "commitment and insistence" to include a clause requiring the cessation of Israeli aggression, while official Lebanese sources emphasized to the newspaper "Al-Araby Al-Jadeed" that the priority now is an Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories in the south, as reported by Kan 11 | Arab-Palestinian Desk.

Dr. Jacques Neria from the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs - JCFA warns that Hezbollah, despite the damage it has suffered, is expected to try and present the situation as a victory for its supporters. According to Neria, "They will present it as a victory," while warning that without a change in the organization's status in Lebanon, Iranian influence is expected to continue. A similar position was expressed by Shiite expert Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was quoted in Asrar Lubnan | Secrets of Lebanon, stating that Israel must not surrender to Iranian dictates.

On the Israeli side, voices criticizing the ceasefire were heard. Gadi Taub: Gatekeeper emphasized that Israel must not agree to a ceasefire, but rather intensify attacks and oppose recognizing Iran as the landlord in Lebanon. Conversely, Yinon Shalom Yitach - Army and Security reported that the Prime Minister updated the US administration that the IDF will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

In the international arena, President Trump addressed the situation and said that "the Lebanon matter should not be difficult" and that it would be necessary to talk with Hezbollah, according to reports by NTD Hebrew News. At the same time, the Lebanese presidency was observed trying to navigate the pressures, as President Joseph Aoun holds talks with the Iranian Foreign Minister, a move described in Asrar Lubnan | Secrets of Lebanon as an attempt to walk "a tightrope" without falling fully into the arms of Iran.